On with Kara Swisher

Ben Stiller, an acclaimed actor and director, dives deep into the success of 'Severance,' revealing how its unique premise reshapes our understanding of identity in the workplace and beyond. He reflects on the show's commentary on surveillance and corporate control, drawing parallels to real-world issues. Stiller also shares his candid thoughts on making political art and discusses humorous yet poignant moments from the series, even addressing criticisms from tech moguls like Elon Musk with clarity and wit. Tune in for a blend of humor and insightful dialogue!

Amy Cooter, a researcher on domestic militias, Tess Owen, an investigative reporter on extremism, and Paul Rosenzweig, a cybersecurity lawyer, delve into President Trump’s pardons for January 6th insurrectionists. They discuss the alarming message these pardons send to violent militia groups like the Oath Keepers, the influence of social media on far-right extremism, and the potential legal ramifications of Trump's actions. Their insights illuminate the intersection of political violence, militia dynamics, and the risks posed by unchecked executive authority.

Del Harvey, former Twitter VP of trust and safety, shares insights on the evolution of social media moderation. Dave Willner, ex-head of content policy at Facebook, discusses the early challenges in defining community standards. Nicole Wong, a First Amendment lawyer and legal director at Twitter, weighs in on the balance between free speech and platform safety. They explore the shift from hands-off policies to strict moderation, the impact of misinformation during crises, and the growing role of AI in content policing.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Hayes, host of "All In with Chris Hayes" on MSNBC, delves into the concept of attention capitalism, the idea that attention is our most valuable resource. He explains how figures like Trump and Musk excel in capturing attention and its implications for our politics and media. The conversation highlights the challenges journalists face in a distraction-driven world and critiques how Democrats can learn from their opponents in the battle for public engagement. Hayes urges a rethink of our digital connections amidst growing frustrations with tech giants.

Alejandro Mayorkas, the first immigrant and Latino Secretary of Homeland Security, reflects on his tenure amid the complexities of U.S. immigration policy. He discusses the backlash he faced from all sides over Biden's border crisis and the implications of Trump's proposals. Mayorkas also dives into the challenges of cybersecurity, particularly with companies like TikTok, comparing regulation to a game of national security whack-a-mole. His insights into domestic extremism and the political landscape portray a nuanced take on the state of national security.

In this engaging discussion, Graham Dugoni, Founder and CEO of Yondr, sheds light on the philosophy behind his innovative phone-locking pouches. He shares how these devices help create phone-free spaces at concerts, schools, and weddings, promoting genuine interactions. The conversation touches on the urgent need for cell phone bans in schools, inspired by literature like Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. Dugoni emphasizes the importance of balancing technology use and real-life engagement to enhance focus and community connections.

Laverne Cox, an Emmy-nominated actress and renowned transgender activist, dives deep into the urgent fight for trans rights. She highlights the alarming rise of anti-trans ads during the Trump campaign and condemns Meta's harmful decision to halt monitoring hate speech. Laverne underscores how these dynamics contribute to increased violence against trans individuals. The conversation busts myths surrounding gender-affirming care and emphasizes resilience in activism, all while teasing her upcoming Netflix comedy series, Clean Slate.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a leading advocate for tech regulation and antitrust legislation, dives into her legislative battles against Big Tech and the challenges small companies face amidst monopolies like Google and Amazon. She discusses her determination to address children's online safety and the complexities of bipartisan efforts in Congress. Klobuchar also shares insights on navigating the political landscape post-January 6, the implications of Trump's nominations, and the urgent need for accountability in the tech sector.

Maggie Haberman, senior political correspondent for The New York Times and author of "Confidence Man," talks about Trump’s unexpected return to power. She dives into his upcoming policy moves, potential cabinet picks, and the heavy influence of figures like Elon Musk. Haberman discusses the dichotomy of Trump’s public persona and the ongoing challenges he poses to both political parties. With insights into threats against journalists and dissenters, she reveals the political dynamics at play as Trump navigates his next chapter.

Join Rumman Chowdry, the first U.S. Science Envoy for AI, Mark Dredze, a bias researcher from Johns Hopkins, and economist-turned-AI scholar Gillian Hadfield as they delve into AI's ethical minefield. They address the haunting question: can we create unbiased AI? The trio also discusses the frightening realities of AI under potential future administrations, the need for robust legal frameworks, and the risks of stifling innovation amid the AI hype. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of the urgent need for responsible AI development.