Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, highlights the unsupervised use of AI tools among teenagers, echoing past social media challenges. He argues that neglecting regulation and education in these areas has left kids vulnerable. The conversation emphasizes the need for media literacy and AI education in schools, as well as proactive governmental oversight. Steyer warns against letting large tech companies exploit these technologies without safeguards, urging lessons learned from social media's tumultuous journey.

Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, discusses the startling adoption of generative AI among teens, revealing that 70% are using it in various ways. He highlights the gap in understanding between parents and their children regarding AI, stressing the urgent need for AI literacy training. The conversation also addresses the communication challenges in schools and the biases faced by Black teens in relation to AI-generated work. Steyer champions the inclusion of AI education in curricula to foster critical thinking and safe technology practices.

In this tense election year, polling is top of mind. But collecting polling data has become harder. It often relies on people actually answering the phone and then speaking frankly to a pollster, both of which are becoming less common. The result has been data that is less predictive, and repeated misses in recent elections have made the public much more skeptical. Polling, it seems, needs an update for the digital age. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke to Bruce Schneier, lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, who says AI can help.

A federal appeals court tackles the clash between First Amendment rights and national security in a high-stakes case involving TikTok. The lawsuit challenges a law that could ban the app, highlighting concerns over user data and potential propaganda. TikTok defends itself against allegations of unfair targeting, arguing that a sale isn't the only solution. With 170 million U.S. users, including prominent figures, the case reflects broader debates over free speech and government regulation in the tech landscape.

Legislators are making strides to regulate AI-generated deepfakes amidst growing concerns. California, Tennessee, and Illinois are leading the charge with new laws addressing digital replicas. The discussion highlights unique legal frameworks and the potential impact on artists' rights, including posthumous consent. Expert insights delve into the complexities of protecting digital identities, especially in the context of Hollywood's evolving landscape. The future of artistic representation is at the forefront of this legal revolution.

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, discusses recent legal troubles stemming from alleged illegal activities related to his platform. Yaël Eisenstat, a Senior Fellow at Cybersecurity for Democracy, reveals how ads on Meta platforms are promoting Telegram channels linked to fraud and drug deals. The duo examines the challenges of content moderation and the technical negligence behind harmful ads. They express concerns about the negative impact these ads could have on democratic engagement, particularly during elections.

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, joins Taylor Swift, a renowned singer and songwriter, for a lively discussion on the intersection of technology and politics. They dive into Google's second antitrust trial, emphasizing its massive influence on advertising. Swift's endorsement of Harris shines a light on AI-driven misinformation in politics, sparking a conversation about ethical AI use. Additionally, the duo explores visionary solutions like underwater data centers aimed at making tech more sustainable, highlighting the balance between innovation and regulation.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of the defunct crypto exchange FTX, dives into the surprising resurgence of cryptocurrency's influence in the 2024 elections. The conversation reveals how crypto has transitioned from scandal to power player, funding political ads and candidates. Bankman-Fried discusses the importance of clear regulations and examines how industry divisions shape political endorsements. The podcast also highlights a significant rise in corporate contributions and their bipartisan impact on today's political landscape.

Lisa Mae Brunson, founder of Wonder Women Tech and a key figure in diversity initiatives, discusses the alarming rollback of diversity efforts in the tech industry. She sheds light on the impact of job cuts on recruiting and nonprofit organizations that train underrepresented workers. Brunson highlights the challenges that marginalized groups face amidst declining corporate commitments and the troubling consequences for representation in STEM. The conversation emphasizes how diminishing diversity can stifle innovation and perpetuate inequities in technology.

Among the trends of mis- and disinformation spreading ahead of the 2024 election is the narrative that large groups of noncitizens are illegally voting. Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams recently spoke with Danielle Lee Tomson, a research manager with the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public, about how this narrative is affecting the November election. This conversation is part of “Marketplace Tech’s” limited series “Decoding Democracy.” Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel.