This Machine Kills

Paris Marx, the host of Tech Won't Save Us, and Brian Merchant, writer of Blood in the Machine, dive into the complex political landscape of artificial intelligence. They discuss how different countries, especially the U.S., Europe, and China, envision their future AI frameworks. The duo critiques the intertwining of tech and right-wing politics in the U.S., the urgency for mindful AI development, and the challenges posed by overinvestment in tech. Their insights reveal the need for global movements to rethink tech dependency and prioritize genuine social benefits over corporate interests.

We chat for a bit about Trump’s AI Action Plan – more to come on this next week – before getting into broader questions about Silicon Valley imperialism, American force projection and soft power through AI, the endlessly convenient competition against China, the impossibility of winning an AI arms race with no defined finish line, among other things. Plus a new addition to our tech freak watch. ••• Come to Jathan’s book launch in Melbourne on August 14th at 6:00pm! There will be fun conversation, an open bar, and books for sale! Register for free here: https://events.humanitix.com/sadowkski-the-mechanic-and-the-luddite-launch ••• Trump's AI Action Plan is a blueprint for dystopia https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/trumps-ai-action-plan-is-a-blueprint ••• Trump Plans to Give A.I. Developers a Free Hand https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/technology/trump-ai-executive-orders.html ••• Why Big Tech is threatened by a global push for data sovereignty https://restofworld.org/2025/big-tech-data-sovereignty/ ••• OpenAI signs deal with UK to find government uses for its models https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/21/openai-signs-deal-with-uk-to-find-government-uses-for-its-models ••• The metamorphosis of Shaun Maguire https://www.businessinsider.com/shaun-maguire-silicon-valleys-most-maga-firebrand-sequoia-mamdani-2025-7 Standing Plugs: ••• Order Jathan’s new book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520398078/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite ••• Subscribe to Ed’s substack: https://substack.com/@thetechbubble ••• Subscribe to TMK on patreon for premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (bsky.app/profile/jathansadowski.com) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (bsky.app/profile/jebr.bsky.social)

We are joined by Amba Kak and Sarah Myers West — co-directors of the AI Now Institute — to discuss their excellent new Landscape Report on Artificial Power. We discuss Trump’s AI Action Day and his administration’s use of AI as an alibi to justify further consolidating wealth and power into a few hands, while making vague promises about economic growth and technological progress, without actually delivering any material benefits to everyday people. We then get into the AI Now Institute’s Roadmap for Action which lays out a bold, urgent, and practical policy agenda for creating and enforcing regulations on AI. ••• Artificial Power: 2025 Landscape Report | AI Now Institute https://ainowinstitute.org/publications/research/ai-now-2025-landscape-report ••• People's AI Action Plan https://peoplesaiaction.com/ ••• Come to Jathan’s book launch in Melbourne on August 14th at 6:00pm! There will be fun conversation, an open bar, and books for sale! Register for free here: https://events.humanitix.com/sadowkski-the-mechanic-and-the-luddite-launch Standing Plugs: ••• Order Jathan’s new book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520398078/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite ••• Subscribe to Ed’s substack: https://substack.com/@thetechbubble ••• Subscribe to TMK on patreon for premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (bsky.app/profile/jathansadowski.com) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (bsky.app/profile/jebr.bsky.social)

The discussion kicks off with Ed’s adventures in Greece before diving into Mark Zuckerberg's audacious quest to build a superintelligence lab at Meta. The hosts explore his extravagant recruitment of top AI talent, likening it to a blockbuster crossover event. They critically examine the motivations behind such massive investments and question the sustainability of this tech funding frenzy. Additionally, the potential impact of Meta's AI ambitions on local communities and its recent legal wins in AI copyright are also unpacked.

Alice Marwick, Director of Research at Data & Society, dives into the dark side of generative AI and its role in amplifying fraud. She reveals how scams have become automated and prevalent, casting a wide net beyond traditional victims. Topics include the chilling effects of AI on job applications and the rise of fake job ads, which mislead both investors and job seekers. Marwick stresses the need for vigilance, collaborative education, and proactive measures to combat the automation of fraud amid increasing social vulnerabilities.

Explore the world of genetic optimization with Nucleus Genomics, a startup aiming to help families rank and select embryos through a unique dashboard. The discussion critiques the ethics of treating genes like assets and highlights the societal implications of genetic hierarchies. Humorously likening embryo selection to video game character creation, the hosts reveal the controversial aspects of this biotech endeavor while connecting it to emerging AI technologies in a thought-provoking manner.

Dive into the controversial surveillance landscape of New Orleans, where a private nonprofit partners with the police to monitor citizens using facial recognition technology. Explore the ethical dilemmas of such practices, including potential biases and civil liberties concerns. The conversation blends humor with serious critiques, discussing everything from urban militarization to quirky examples like 'sandwich recognition cameras.' As policies evolve, the implications for privacy and community rights are more pressing than ever.

The discussion dives into Palantir's involvement in Trump's plan for a comprehensive government database tracking individuals. The implications of this surveillance-driven approach are examined, revealing how merging technology with authoritarianism threatens privacy rights. The hosts humorously tackle the notion that state surveillance might actually safeguard civil liberties, prompting a fascinating dialogue on public perceptions of privacy in a world increasingly monitored. It's a thought-provoking look at the balance between security and freedom.

Dive into the fallout of Trump's clash with Musk, highlighted by a hilarious analysis of their 'breakup.' Explore the surprising reunion of Palmer Luckey and Mark Zuckerberg as they team up on military tech. Discover the shocking rise and swift collapse of Builder AI, revealing the pitfalls in the tech startup world. The episode critiques the contradictions in U.S. foreign policy regarding democracy and examines Silicon Valley's growing entanglement with defense contracts, all served with humor and sharp insights.

Emily Bender and Alex Hanna, authors of 'AI The Con,' delve into the myths surrounding AI technology. They simplify how systems like ChatGPT work, comparing them to ‘synthetic text extruding machines’ built from basic origins. The duo critiques the hype, especially regarding AI’s role in education, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach as it can complicate academic integrity. Additionally, they discuss the ethical implications of massive datasets and advocate for a community-oriented mindset in integrating AI into learning environments.