
TechTank
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 15, 2024 • 40min
Can social media platforms engage in their own self-regulation?
On this episode of the TechTank Podcast co-host, Nicol Turner Lee, shares her new paper on this topic with Mary K. Engle Executive Vice President, Policy at BBB National Programs, and David Vladeck, the A.B. Chettle Chair in Civil Procedure and former Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. They discuss the path forward for social media regulation and unpack the issues that are of main focus to teens and adults on the internet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 2024 • 34min
How Does Tech Affect Inequality?
This week on the TechTank Podcast, Darrell West talks with Zia Qureshi a Brookings Institution Senior Fellow in Global Economy and Development about how cutting-edge tech like AI, quantum computing, and cloud storage are shaping inequality. They dive into whether these innovations will widen the gap between those with access to tech and those without, and what we can do to make sure technology benefits everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 2024 • 30min
What do Vance and Walz have to say about tech policy ?
This week on The TechTank Podcast, Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West explore how the Vice President candidate's tech policy stances might influence the campaigns and the election, and whether they will ultimately shape the future of technology in the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 3, 2024 • 40min
A Citizen's Guide to Disinformation
This week on the TechTank podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by her colleagues, co-host Darrell West, and Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and Founding Director of the Center for Effective Public Management. Together, they will discuss the impact of disinformation on society and explore solutions presented in the new book authored by Darrell and Elaine titled Lies That Kill: A Citizen's Guide to Disinformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 2024 • 43min
Will VP Harris close the gaps for the digitally invisible if elected?
In this episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host, Darrell West speaks to Nicol Turner Lee, co-host and author of Digitally Invisible, to discuss what can be done by policymakers, industry, and civil society to talk about her new book, and share her thoughts on what it will take to narrow the widening disparities that exist around connectivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 5, 2024 • 32min
What Project 2025 says about AI, antitrust, and public radio
This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West is joined by Roxana Mika Muenster, COMPASS fellow at Brookings’ Center for Technology and a doctoral student at Cornell University. Together, they explore what Project 2025 envisions for tech and media policy, and try to understand the impact their agenda would have on industry politics, and the voters themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 22, 2024 • 35min
Where was tech policy in the presidential race before Biden dropped out?
This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Dr. Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Steven Overly, the host of POLITICO Tech at POLITICO, and Darrell West, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and TechTank co-host. Together, they discuss where tech and tech policies are in the upcoming election and understand what hotbed issues resonate with candidates and voters alike. [Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Biden's exit from the race on July 21, 2024.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 17, 2024 • 42min
Creating Queer Inclusive Research and Experiences in AI
This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee welcomes two distinguished guests: Arjun Subramonian, a Computer Science PhD candidate at the University of California, and Raj Korpan, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Hunter College, City University of New York. Together, they discuss their groundbreaking paper, "Queer in AI: A Case Study in Community-Led Participatory AI." This insightful episode dives into the significant risks AI poses to queer communities and explores innovative, community-driven solutions. Don’t miss this compelling conversation on the intersection of technology and social justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

45 snips
May 28, 2024 • 41min
What to make of the new AI Roadmap from the Senate’s Bipartisan Commission
Exploring the AI policy roadmap by Senator Schumer, addressing bias, workforce impact, and deepfake development. Analysis of the digital divide's impact and legislative needs. Urgency for AI regulation and boosting innovation with workforce development. Implications on national security, competition with China, and disinformation combat through legislative action.

May 6, 2024 • 40min
Embracing AI in Legal Practice: Opportunities and Challenges
Tech and telecoms lawyer Mark Brennan and nonresident senior fellow John Villasenor discuss the impact of AI on the legal sector, emphasizing the integration of AI technologies in law firms and the balance between human involvement and technology. They also explore the legal implications and future prospects of generative AI systems, including copyright concerns and the transformative potential of AI in various industries.
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