The AI Policy Podcast

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.

Dive into the world of AI and trade as the podcast dissects the implications of Trump-era tariffs on the U.S. AI landscape. Discover Nvidia's exciting exemption from export controls for H20s and how this can reshape the market. The conversation also covers the White House's latest AI guidance aimed at overcoming policy hurdles for government adoption. Additionally, the panel critiques the EU's ambitious AI Continent Action Plan, highlighting the gap between aspirations and reality amidst rising tensions over technology dependence.

Matt Sheehan, a Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, dives into China's AI policymaking evolution over the past decade. He discusses how professionals transitioned from cybersecurity to AI policy, driven by public concerns over deepfakes. Sheehan highlights the pivotal 2017 national AI plan and the tension between privacy and surveillance. He also examines the current state of Chinese AI amidst global challenges, including U.S. export controls, illustrating how companies navigate a complex regulatory landscape.

The podcast dives into the responses from AI companies to the White House's AI Action Plan Request for Information, highlighting diverse stakeholder perspectives on governance and policy. It breaks down the California Policy Working Group's draft report and its implications for future legislation. A significant discussion centers on the alarming drop in computer programming jobs, revealing how AI advancements are reshaping job security in the tech industry. Tune in for insights on AI safety and accountability!

Dean Ball, a Research Fellow at George Mason University’s Mercatus Center and author of Hyperdimensional, dives into the complexities of AI regulation at state and local levels. He discusses the surge in legislation following lessons learned from social media, including over 800 proposed bills. The conversation covers the challenges of regulating malicious deepfakes, algorithmic discrimination, and the bipartisan effort in shaping laws. Ball also highlights California's SB 1047 and the necessity for clear standards to protect innovation while addressing safety concerns.

Delve into the future of export controls influenced by the DeepSeek Report and Huawei's role in the U.S.-China AI race. Discover Manus AI, a Chinese startup that claims to have a general AI agent, and the skepticism it faces. Learn about the DOD's shift towards a modern software acquisition strategy that integrates commercial AI into defense. Explore the Thunderforge Initiative, which integrates AI into military operations. Finally, witness Musk's ambitious XAI expansion with a massive data center in Memphis, showcasing the intersection of AI and military power.

Georgia Adamson, a Research Associate at the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center, and Lennart Heim, an Associate Information Scientist at RAND, delve into the UAE's ambitious AI initiatives. They discuss the UAE's role as a burgeoning tech investment hub, spotlighting a $100 billion investment vehicle and its partnership with Microsoft and G42. The duo also examines U.S. chip export controls and the implications of AI collaboration with countries like China. They highlight the strategic diplomatic balancing act at play in this fast-evolving landscape.