
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

Feb 12, 2024 • 24min
The Future of Quantum Computing
In this week's episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West delves into the future and capabilities of powerful quantum computers. To aid in comprehending these revolutionary machines, Darrell West is joined by Joseph Keller, Visiting Fellow in Foreign Policy at the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology. Tune in for a highly informative conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 2024 • 51min
What is the future of children’s online data privacy in the U.S.?
In the latest episode of the TechTank Podcast, cohost Nicol Turner Lee speaks with Jennifer Huddleston, a Technology Policy Research Fellow at the CATO Institute, and Christopher Wood, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of LGBT Tech Partnership & Institute. Together, they delve into the complexities surrounding regulatory efforts and explore the evolving landscape of how our kids interact with technology. They also offer their predictions on what may be next for Congress, states, and other stakeholders in the policy debates over children’s privacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15, 2024 • 28min
The State of State Technology Policy
In this week's episode of the TechTank podcast, co-hosts Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West kickoff 2024 with an insightful conversation on the state of tech policy with returning guests, MattPerault, Director of the Center on Science & Technology Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill, and ScottBrennen, the Head of Online Expression Policy at the Center on Technology Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill. Together, they discuss the intricacies of state policy within the dynamic and ever-evolving tech landscape, exploring key challenges and potential solutions that shape the future oftechnology governance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 2023 • 39min
Tech Outlook for 2024
In this episode, the hosts discuss the tech outlook for 2024. They cover topics such as AI regulation, misinformation in elections, watermarking as a solution, addressing bias, safety, and transparency in technology, ensuring transparency in AI systems, and competition policy in the tech industry.

Nov 20, 2023 • 41min
Generative AI, parents, and teens
In this week's episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by StephenBalkam, founder and CEO of FOSI, and Kara Sundby, Senior Director at KANTAR, to delve intothe findings of a new report focused on how teens and parents interact with generative AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 6, 2023 • 33min
How AI Will Affect the 2024 Elections
In this episode of The TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West engages in a conversation withElaine Kamarck, the Founding Director of the Center for Effective Public Management, and aSenior Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. Together, they explore thetransformative impact of AI on the political landscape and explore what lies ahead for theupcoming election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 2023 • 33min
A conversation with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) on AI accountability and election integrity
In this episode of the #TechTank podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee talks with CongresswomanYvette D. Clarke about her prior and current legislative directives focused on AI regulation, andthe urgency given the explosion of generative AI systems. The Congresswoman is a SeniorMember of both the House Energy and Commerce Commission, and the House Committee onHomeland Security. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2023 • 34min
From The TechTank Archives: Taylor Lorenz on Gen Z, Influencer Culture, and the Future of Social Media
From December 13 2021: How have teens, the most tech-savvy population of all, been navigating the internet, rife with the spread of misinformation, algorithmic discrimination and more? On TechTank, Samantha Lai will be joined by Taylor Lorenz, technology reporter for the New York Times and affiliate at the Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, to discuss how young people use the internet and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 2023 • 37min
California Congressman Ted Lieu talks about the state of AI governance
In this episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee speaks to Congressman Ted (D-CA) about these and other areas concerning AI regulation, oversight, and guidance in the United States. They also discuss how AI’s regulation from other countries will influence national policymaking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 11, 2023 • 38min
Exploring the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
In this episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-Host Nicol Turner Lee discusses what is new in the more recently updated Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. Joining the podcast to discuss those changes is Cherilyn Pascoe, Director of the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), who also shares resources and tools that all organizations of any size and sector can access. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.