The AI Policy Podcast

Miles Brundage, an AI policy researcher and former OpenAI head, joins Chris Rohlf, a cybersecurity expert at Meta with over two decades of experience. They dive into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, exploring how AI reshapes offense and defense dynamics. The discussion highlights the risks of securing AI model weights, critiques 'AI security doomerism,' and underscores the need for policymakers to incentivize better security measures. Their insights illuminate the crucial intersection of technology, policy, and national security.

The U.S. AI Safety Institute has transformed into the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, pivoting from safety to robust AI development standards. A congressional hearing highlighted the critical role of export controls on AI chips, particularly amid U.S.-China tensions. Meanwhile, Meta announced a new AI superintelligence lab with a whopping $15 billion investment, sparking fierce competition in the tech landscape. The discussion dives into talent strategies and differentiates between superintelligence and artificial general intelligence, shedding light on future AI directions.

On June 9, 2025,  the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center hosted Ryan Tseng, Co-Founder and President of Shield AI, a company building AI-powered software to enable autonomous capabilities for defense and national security.    Mr. Tseng leads strategic partnerships with defense and policy leaders across the United States and internationally. Under his leadership, Shield AI secured major contracts with the U.S. Special Operations Command, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, while expanding internationally with offices opening in Ukraine and the UAE.    Watch the full event here.

The discussion kicks off with House Republicans proposing a 10-year moratorium on state and local AI laws, aiming for a uniform federal standard. Key appropriations for advancing AI technologies in government sectors are also highlighted, from healthcare to defense. The spotlight then shifts to Anthropic's newest model, Claude Opus 4, which raised safety concerns after a blackmail incident led to discussions on AI failure modes. The need for stringent safety protocols in light of AI's potential misuse is critically explored.

A deep dive into China's ambitious AI strategy reveals its competitive edge and the potential risks to U.S. interests. Discussing the implications of new export controls on Huawei's chip technology, the episode critically examines the shifting landscape of global AI competition. Insights from President Trump's recent Middle East trip highlight the establishment of a U.S.-UAE AI partnership, igniting discussions on the future of international investments in AI technology and global computing dynamics.

The recent rescission of the AI Diffusion Framework raises questions about global AI ambitions. Top AI executives testify before Congress, shedding light on the future of the industry. The IRS may integrate AI for more efficient tax collection, but lessons from the Netherlands serve as a cautionary tale. Additionally, the U.S. Copyright Office's report on generative AI sparks debate over fair use and its implications. Finally, new Pope Leo XIV prioritizes AI in his papacy, addressing its impact on human dignity and labor.

The discussion dives into the Trump administration's transformative Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, emphasizing its impact on federal AI funding and export controls. The potential changes to the AI Diffusion Framework before its deadline spark intriguing debates. Meanwhile, insights from a pivotal Chinese Politburo session reveal the country's ambitious goals for AI and technological self-reliance. The analysis raises questions about international cooperation amidst growing tensions in the tech landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Alexandr Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI, shares insights on pivotal AI policy issues. He delves into the competitive landscape with China, emphasizing the need for robust U.S. leadership in AI development. Wang highlights the strategic importance of AI in national security and innovative military collaborations. He also addresses the evolving safety standards for AI technologies and advocates for reforms to establish a national AI data reserve, ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI innovation.

In this discussion, a pivotal speech from OSTP Director Michael Kratsios outlines U.S. tech policies aimed at revitalizing innovation. The Trump administration's stringent export controls on Nvidia's H20 chip are closely examined, revealing their impact on competition with China. Huawei's new Ascend 920 chip is also discussed, shedding light on the escalating AI race between the two nations. The conversation compares the U.S. and China’s tech landscapes, emphasizing the need for strategic investments and reforms to enhance America's position in global technology.

Andrew Freedman, Chief Strategic Officer at Fathom, shares his journey from cannabis regulation to AI governance. He highlights the importance of inclusive collaboration in shaping technology policies. Freedman discusses the role of public engagement in creating effective AI governance and the complexities of balancing regulation with innovation. He emphasizes the need for clear standards and a cohesive approach to build a safe and accountable AI ecosystem, while also drawing lessons from previous policy challenges.