The Brave Technologist

Jean-Paul Schmetz, SVP of Ads at Brave, discusses the evolution of search engines from closed platforms like AOL to today’s open web, and how advertising has influenced their growth. We dive into AI’s integration in search and advertising, the challenges of maintaining privacy, and the future role of regulation. Jean-Paul also shares practical tips for users to protect their privacy and take control of their data. Key Takeaways:  The evolving relationship between browsers, search engines, and the Internet,  and how advertising has shaped the development of all three The integration of AI in search and advertising, and the complexities of maintaining privacy in digital advertising as we navigate an AI-driven future Balancing privacy and efficiency when leveraging LLMs, and the role regulation will play in the future of AI-powered advertising Ways we can empower users to make simple but impactful changes to protect their privacy, own their data, and shape their lives online    Guest Bio: JP Schmetz is the SVP of Ads at Brave, and a Brave Board Observer. He’s been building tech companies since 1995 (once of which—Cliqz—eventually became Brave Search). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Lambert Hogenhout, Chief of Data and AI at the United Nations Secretariat, explores the delicate balance of embracing technological advancements while maintaining our authentic human identities. We also discuss the benefits of open-source models for global equity, along with the crucial intersection of data privacy and AI. Key Takeaways:  Organizational readiness - how organizations can ensure that their AI systems are designed and implemented with ethical considerations using safety by design principles Building trust amongst your team and community through transparency and responsible AI  Maintaining our own authentic identity as humans while adoption of AI becomes mainstream Guest Bio: Lambert Hogenhout is Chief Data and AI at the United Nations Secretariat. He is also an author, keynote speaker and advisor on AI and responsible use of technology. He has 25 years of experience working both in the private sector and with international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations. He leads governance and strategy in the areas of data and AI and oversees its practical implementation. He has published on data privacy, data governance, the societal implications of technology and responsible use of AI. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API.  

Yan Zhu, Chief Information Security Officer at Brave Software, brings a wealth of experience from her roles at Yahoo and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. In this insightful discussion, she tackles the unique security challenges faced by browsers and highlights how Brave prioritizes user privacy through minimal data collection. Yan also explores the potential of AI in automating security tasks, the evolution of critical technologies like HTTPS and two-factor authentication, and the importance of user education in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Hester M. Peirce (appointed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by President Donald J. Trump), shares insights into the SEC's role in enforcing laws amidst rapid technological advancements. We also explore balancing innovation with consumer protection, and emphasizing the need to rethink outdated legislation along with how regulatory clarity can foster more innovation. Key Takeaways: The importance of public engagement with regulatory bodies to shape future policies constructively Weighing the need for innovation against the risks of misuse and surveillance The role of the SEC within the crypto space and the attitudes of the agency towards emerging technologies The ways technology can advance responsibly, while still safeguarding personal liberties and addressing governmental concerns Guest Bio: Hester M. Peirce was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and was sworn in on January 11, 2018. Prior to joining the SEC, Commissioner Peirce conducted research on the regulation of financial markets at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She was a Senior Counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where she advised Ranking Member Richard Shelby and other members of the Committee on securities issues. Commissioner Peirce served as counsel to SEC Commissioner Paul S. Atkins. She also worked as a Staff Attorney in the SEC’s Division of Investment Management. Commissioner Peirce was an associate at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering (now WilmerHale) and clerked for Judge Roger Andewelt on the Court of Federal Claims. Commissioner Peirce earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University, and her JD from Yale Law School. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Caitlin Cook, Head of Growth at Moonwalk Fitness, shares how their product is gamifying health, leveraging Web3 technology and offering crypto incentives to get you moving. She also shares how they’re targeting non-crypto native users in an effort to achieve mainstream adoption. Key Takeaways:  How you can join their steps challenges, deposit crypto like USDC or Solana and earn rewards for staying active Strategies for integrating crypto technology into mainstream consumer applications Ways they’re engaging NFT and token communities Future AI integration possibilities within gaming Guest Bio: Caitlin Cook is Director of Growth at Moonwalk Fitness, a gamified fitness accountability tool built on Solana. After starting her career in finance at Deutsche Bank, Caitlin transitioned to crypto in 2020 to spearhead the creation and development of a crypto education platform for RIAs, family offices, and other institutional allocators. In June, 2022 Caitlin dove into DeFi full-time, becoming Head of Communications and Marketing for Hxro Labs, a core contributor to the derivatives and betting infrastructure project Hxro Network. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

David Westera, AI & Data Leader at Adidas, discusses the pressure that many companies feel to adopt emerging technologies, and the biggest challenges companies face when trying to implement AI solutions. He also explores the contrasting regulatory landscapes of the EU and the US, highlighting the challenges and ethical considerations that come with AI advancements. Key Takeaways:  The future of job roles in an AI-driven world The importance of having knowledgeable tech talent to cut through the marketing noise and make informed decisions How regulation can both stifle and spur innovation, emphasizing the need for ethical AI development The future of AI agents and the impact they can have on our lives Guest Bio: David Westera is the AI & Data Leader driving innovation at Adidas. He specializes in helping companies achieve transformative growth, competitive advantage, and maximum profitability through AI- & ML-powered product deployment and integration. He’s spearheaded transformative AI and machine learning initiatives across various industries, including fintech, sports apparel, and banking. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

What if the future of work could be reshaped by artificial intelligence in ways that empower rather than displace? In this episode Didem Un Ates, founder & CEO of LotusAI Ltd, discusses strategies for organizations to integrate AI in a way that maximizes benefits while minimizing job displacement. We also explore the complex landscape of AI's societal impact and the need for diverse perspectives in technology. Key Takeaways:  How individuals can pivot towards high-value tasks in an evolving job market redefined by AI. The importance of responsible AI regulations and the role of open-source innovation. Strategies to foster a more inclusive and innovative tech landscape, including initiatives such as Girls in AI hackathons that are designed to inspire young women to embrace tech careers. The need for inclusive AI to prevent widening the resource gap. Guest Bio: Didem Un Ates is the founder & CEO of LotusAI Ltd. She has more than 26 years of experience in AI and generative AI, including senior roles at Schneider Electric, Microsoft, and Accenture. As a former VP of AI Strategy & Innovation at Schneider Electric, Didem led AI strategies, innovation roadmaps, and responsible AI practices. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to AI, and serves as a senior advisor for organizations like the Goldman Sachs Value Accelerator. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Phil Mataras—CEO at Permanent Data Solutions—discusses Arweave's innovative “pay once, store forever” model and its potential to revolutionize various industries, from content creation to healthcare, by offering permanent storage solutions. Phil also sheds light on the regulatory challenges that come with the rapid pace of innovation in the Web3 space. Key Takeaways: What permanent storage means, and why it’s important / useful How AI and permanent storage can work together The future of data preservation and accessibility Missing links needed for mainstream adoption of permanent storage Guest Bio: Phil Mataras is the CEO of Permanent Data Solutions (PDS), a company building Web3 apps and infrastructure that power the Arweave permaweb: a permanent Internet. The PDS suite of products includes AR.IO (a protocol and incentivized network of decentralized gateway nodes that provide services for reading, writing, and indexing the data on Arweave), and ArDrive (a pay-as-you-go storage app built on Arweave that makes it easy to permanently archive, download, and share your public or private data). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Luke Mulks, VP of Business Operations at Brave Software, dives into the revolutionary Basic Attention Token (BAT). He explains how BAT, born in 2017, addresses digital advertising inefficiencies through a privacy-centric model using Ethereum. The conversation highlights BAT's strategic growth, its value in DeFi, Web3 gaming, and partnerships with major brands and creators like Mr. Beast. Luke emphasizes the shift toward user empowerment and monetization in the digital landscape, paving the way for a more transparent and engaging online experience.

Benjamin B. Bargetzi, CEO of Bargetzi & Company Group, delves into cultural influences on AI innovation worldwide, the ethical implications in military applications, and the urgent need for global AI literacy. He discusses the role of ChatGPT in overcoming AI concerns, the differing attitudes towards risk among countries, the boundaries between humans and technology, and the profound impacts of AI on human identity and society.