Marketplace Tech

This story was produced by our colleagues at the BBC.High-flying and high-tech, the very latest in drone technology took to the skies over an airfield near the Danish city of Odense.At the International Drone Show, 50 exhibitors showed off their wares. And because more money is flowing into military budgets, the emphasis was on defense.Danish company Quadsat makes drones with satellite reading software. Besides civilian uses, the devices can also identify enemy radar."Over the years, we have seen an increasing interest from the defense side, no doubt about that, and that's also where we have a lot of work currently being carried out," said Klaus Aude, Quadsat’s chief commercial officer.Leaders of the NATO military alliance have agreed to ramp up defense spending to 5% of their countries' economic output by 2035, following months of pressure from President Donald Trump.Nordic countries have already committed to bigger budgets. Among them, NATO’s newest members Finland and Sweden, as well as long time members Norway and Denmark.As Europe races to re-arm, drones are a sought-after technology. One estimate suggests the global market for defense drones is already worth over $24 billion, and could double by 2032."The Nordics have always been very strong in drone adoption, drone development," said Kay Wackwitz, chief executive of Drone Industry Insights."You can definitely see that those countries that have borders with Russia are really stocking up on those technologies. The commercial market is now struggling for its fourth year in a row with declining venture capital,” added Wackwitz. “And on the other side, we see a huge demand on the military end of things, which means a lot of companies are refocusing from the commercial space to the military space."In June, low-cost Ukrainian drones carried out an audacious mission, destroying dozens of prized Russian fighter jets in a conflict that’s reshaped modern warfare.North of Copenhagen in a hangar, Danish firm Nordic Wing makes drones used for battlefield surveillance and combat. Its customers are NATO countries, but they are largely destined for Ukraine, where “there was a huge need and a calling to have these systems helping on the front lines,” said Jonas Münster, CEO of Nordic Wing. “And therefore, the production went into overdrive. Now we have a European Union that is looking into what we've learned in Ukraine and realizing that we don't have a drone capability in Europe."With a 2,000-square-kilometer flying zone, the drone port in Odense has grown into a hub for tech startups. Next year, military personnel will also be training there at a new $110 million army facility."Some militaries have actually made a shift from saying ‘every soldier is a rifleman,’ to ‘everyone is going to be a drone operator at some level,’” said Major Rasmus Ros, who’s part of Denmark’s Defense Command. “We're going to have drone operators in the whole joint military of Denmark. They can come here, get their basic training, share ideas and technology development, and then go back to their units and further develop that."But not everyone is so positive about this. Outside the trade fair, protestors chanted "drones for peace, not war." New geopolitical realities are reshaping this fast-paced industry. And as this technology advances, ethical and regulatory concerns over the use of AI to pilot drones are also being raised.

A recent investigation reveals a controversial automated program that could allow ICE to access millions of IRS taxpayer records. Concerns about privacy rights are raised as the Trump administration intensifies deportations. Discussions highlight potential inaccuracies in identifying individuals and the legal risks for IRS officials. The legal frameworks surrounding taxpayer confidentiality and law enforcement data requests are explored, showcasing the delicate balance between enforcement needs and individual privacy protections.

Natasha Mascarenhas, a tech reporter at The Information, dives deep into the AI talent wars. She unpacks Meta's aggressive hiring spree, where researchers are lured with offers exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. The fierce competition isn't just limited to Meta; tech giants like Google and OpenAI are also intensifying their strategies with staggering compensation, sometimes reaching up to $100 million. Additionally, Mascarenhas discusses the challenges startups face while vying for talent in this high-stakes environment filled with rapid change.

Jeremy Michalek, a Professor of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, discusses the implications of President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill on U.S. energy. He highlights the phase-out of clean energy incentives and the rising demand for energy driven by technology. Michalek examines how this bill risks increasing U.S. dependence on China for battery production. He also contrasts fossil fuels and renewable energy's roles in the future, addressing the broader economic and national security challenges of relying on critical minerals.

This week, leaders from tech and energy sectors announced a massive $90 billion investment to establish an AI hub in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Congress took significant steps in cryptocurrency regulation by advancing three key bills aimed at promoting digital currencies like Bitcoin. Following a temporary ban, Nvidia is set to resume chip sales to China, raising questions about U.S.-China trade relations. Debates continue around central bank digital currencies, reflecting the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and its implications for the financial sector.

Joseph Cox, a reporter at 404 Media, delves into the unsettling intersection of insurance data and immigration enforcement. He reveals how ICE leverages ISO ClaimSearch, originally intended to combat insurance fraud, to identify deportation targets. Cox raises important concerns about data privacy and the ethical implications of this practice, particularly regarding the merging of sensitive personal information for national surveillance. Listeners gain insight into the potential risks faced by undocumented individuals and the broader impact on privacy rights.

Wesley Reid, a retired Master Sergeant with firsthand experience in military medical operations, discusses the critical need for the right to repair within the armed forces. He highlights the challenges faced in maintaining high-tech medical equipment during combat, particularly the delays that can endanger lives. Reid advocates for policy reforms that would enable faster repairs and reduce waste, emphasizing how repair clauses in military contracts could improve operational efficiency and cybersecurity. His insights reveal the urgent need for change in how military equipment is serviced.

In a captivating discussion, Adam Aleksic, a trained linguist and the brain behind the 'Etymology Nerd' persona, explores the concept of 'algospeak'—the new internet slang shaped by social media algorithms. He breaks down how these algorithms not only influence language but also impact communication styles, especially among younger generations. From euphemisms like 'unalive' emerging from censorship to the paradox of language trends driven by virality, Aleksic highlights the intricate dance between evolving slang and social dynamics.

A recent tax provision could revolutionize tech research and innovation! The discussion delves into how new legislation allows immediate R&D expense deductions, potentially revitalizing investment. Small startups may face different challenges compared to giant tech firms under these reforms. Learn about the historical context of U.S. tax regulations and their impact on innovation compared to other countries. Finally, discover how strategic tax incentives can lower risks for companies, encouraging a vibrant landscape of technological advancement.

Tech policy reporter Maria Curi from Axios joins to discuss the significant departure of X CEO Linda Yaccarino, following controversies around antisemitic chatbot content. They explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mandatory age verification online, which shakes up free speech norms. Additionally, Curi highlights the potential implications of Trump's proposed 50% copper tariff on data centers and the urgent need for AI infrastructure, revealing a complex intersection of policy and tech production.