The AI Policy Podcast

Georgia Adamson, a technology fellow at the Institute for Progress, and Saif Khan, a distinguished technology fellow and former U.S. Department of Commerce counsel, dive into the ramifications of exporting NVIDIA's Blackwell chips to China. They discuss the geopolitical landscape, the B30A's potential impact on AI competition, and the delicate balance of export controls. With insights into China's manufacturing constraints and the implications for U.S. chip supply, they paint a picture of a high-stakes rivalry in the tech world.

Gregory C. Allen, a seasoned AI policy expert, shares his wisdom on building a career in AI policy. He reflects on his diverse journey from growing up in Kansas to writing for Jeff Bezos. Allen emphasizes the importance of mentorship, deliberate practice, and finding specialized niches in the field. He offers practical tips on creating a standout portfolio and navigating the complexities of AI policy. Listeners will find insights on defining success in the industry and the role of technical knowledge for credibility.

Explore the capabilities of OpenAI’s Sora 2, a groundbreaking video-generation model. Discover the alarming risks of deepfakes, from financial scams to political impersonations. Delve into the tech's rich history, tracing its evolution from CGI to today's advanced models. Discuss how policies can combat these threats, including regulatory measures and industry initiatives. Learn about innovative practices journalists are adopting to verify media authenticity and the ongoing challenges in intellectual property rights.

In this discussion, Congressman Jay Obernolte, a California representative and co-chair of the bipartisan House Task Force on AI, shares his journey from video game development to AI policy. He highlights the findings of a comprehensive report advocating for sectoral regulation over centralized standards. Obernolte discusses the effects of AI bias, the challenges of misinformation, and the importance of bipartisan collaboration for federal AI legislation. He emphasizes the necessity for a cohesive federal approach to avoid fragmented state laws.

Join Harry Holzer, former Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor and Public Policy Professor at Georgetown, as he delves into the transformative effects of AI on the labor market. Holzer discusses how past automation favored skilled workers and predicts AI's future impact on jobs, including a potential loss of entry-level positions. He emphasizes the need for better data on AI's effects and offers policy recommendations focused on education and retraining programs to support displaced workers. Tune in for insights on job creation versus job loss!

California's new AI transparency law, SB 53, is put under the microscope. The discussion includes its origins, contrasting it with the controversial SB 1047. Key requirements for AI companies cover safety frameworks, with serious consequences for non-compliance. There's a deep dive into the revenue thresholds and the implications for smaller developers. Critiques of the stringent 10^26 FLOPs threshold spark debate, while whistleblower protections provide a vital safety net. The political reactions and future companion bills add intriguing layers to the ongoing AI discourse.

Joseph Majkut, Director of CSIS's Energy Security and Climate Change Program, shares his insights on the energy challenges facing AI. He examines the current state of the U.S. electrical grid and the staggering demand projected for AI data centers by 2030. Majkut delves into bottlenecks in grid interconnection and the risks posed by concentrated data centers. He also discusses the potential roles of nuclear energy and AI in optimizing grid operations, along with international comparisons showcasing the energy capacity needed for global AI competitiveness.

The discussion draws fascinating parallels between today's colossal AI investments and the historic Manhattan Project. China’s reported ban on specific Nvidia chips raises crucial questions about export control policies and domestic manufacturing capabilities. In a noteworthy legal battle, Anthropic faces a hefty $1.5 billion settlement over copyright issues related to book training. Meanwhile, the podcast highlights major AI investments by Nvidia and ASML, underscoring strategic moves in the evolving tech landscape.

Explore the rapid rise of China's AI sector, fueled by the launch of advanced reasoning models and a vast talent pool. Discover the contrasting pragmatic approach of China compared to the West's superintelligence fascination. Learn about the impact of export controls on AI growth, revealing unintended consequences. Delve into the shifting landscape of AI chip production, with local companies challenging giants like NVIDIA. Finally, hear about China's strategy for self-reliance in AI technology, reshaping global tech dynamics.

Marietje Schaake, a former Member of the European Parliament and fellow at Stanford's Cyber Policy Center, dives into the EU AI Act Code of Practice. She discusses the critical importance of AI safety and governance, highlighting how the Code helps AI companies demonstrate compliance. Schaake also addresses systemic risks linked to AI technologies, including bioweapons and cybersecurity threats. The conversation explores the historical context of technology regulation and the future impacts of the Act, aiming to align AI policies with democratic values.