TechTank
Brookings Institution
TechTank is a biweekly podcast from The Brookings Institution exploring the most consequential technology issues of our time. From artificial intelligence and racial bias in algorithms, to Big Tech, the future of work, and the digital divide, TechTank takes abstract ideas and makes them accessible. Moderators Dr. Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West speak with leading technology experts and policymakers to share new data, ideas, and policy solutions to address the challenges of our new digital world. Sign up to receive the TechTank newsletter for more research and analysis from the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 6, 2025 • 35min
Will AI democratize financial services?
Financial services have long relied on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for a range of duties, from administrative tasks to decision-making, but these uses can have major implications for consumers subject to the technology’s decisions. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee speaks with Aaron Klein about these consequences and the importance of oversight in deploying these technologies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22, 2025 • 41min
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez talks about the future of the communications landscape
The media and communications landscapes are in flux as the administration’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to implement its priorities, including around free speech and access to public media. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner Lee speaks with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez about these developments and the future of the agency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 8, 2025 • 22min
How the NFL is using technology to improve performance
Digital technologies and data analytics are increasingly being used to help athletes and coaches better monitor their performance and find areas for improvement. In this episode, Darrell West is joined by NFL player Kelvin Beachum and professor Arthur Daemmrich about how these developments could transform sports and the experience of fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 4, 2025 • 43min
Measuring Black women’s trust in AI
Some historically marginalized groups, including Black women, have a complex relationship with the scientific community and institutions, yet their concerns and experiences with emerging technologies like AI are often left out of discussions around trust and design. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Raj Korpan and Zarah Guillemet to discuss their new research centering Black women’s trust in AI and the importance of this perspective in creating equitable technologies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 21, 2025 • 31min
Examining Section 230’s impact on Black Americans
Section 230 has shaped the internet since its passage in 1996 and has had far-reaching implications for marginalized groups, including Black Americans. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Danielle Davis to discuss her recent work examining these consequences and the difficulty of addressing them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 30, 2025 • 46min
Understanding and regulating crypto harms
Conversations on cryptocurrency have been dominated by the industry and experts, leaving out the public, who will be impacted by Congress’ legislative efforts. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Tonantzin Carmona to discuss her research and recommendations on how Americans can be protected from the risks and harms posed by crypto. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 16, 2025 • 19min
How autonomous vehicles can talk to one another
As driverless cars hit the roads in more cities, some researchers are trying to improve their efficiency and navigational systems by creating social networks of autonomous vehicles. In this episode, Darrell West speaks with Yong Liu about this research project and how it might improve the reliability of these systems while protecting passengers’ privacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 2, 2025 • 42min
Big Tech monopoly maintenance: Is a ‘go and sin no more’ remedy sufficient?
Several major tech companies are facing legal challenges from antitrust enforcers who allege they have monopolized their respective markets. As courts determine proper redress in some cases, the remedies they choose might shape the future of digital competition. In this episode, guest host Bill Baer speaks with Rebecca Slaughter and Doha Mekki about these decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 19, 2025 • 26min
What experts and the public think about AI
A recent report from Pew Research Center analyzed how U.S. adults and tech experts feel about AI, finding areas where the two groups were widely apart and where there was consensus. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner lee speaks with author of the study Monica Anderson from Pew about these opinions on AI and where these groups want to see more policies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 5, 2025 • 31min
How much influence do private firms have over space policy?
Amid excitement around advancements in space exploration, there are unresolved issues concerning the role of private firms. Some companies receive billions of dollars in federal money and private sector leaders have been appointed to top positions at agencies like NASA. In this episode, co-host Darrell West speaks with investigative journalist Eric Lipton of the New York Times about the implications of these partnerships and what it means for space policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
