Burning Platforms

Is Big Tech’s domination of AI inevitable or are there different ways of organising our data to shift the power the dynamic? We discuss the RadicalXChange project with its new director, Jess Scully.   Regular panellists Digital Rights Watch Chair Lizzie O’Shea, Health Engine CEO Dan Stinton and Per Capita’s Peter Lewis also discuss: Government blocks text and data mining Human Rights over our brain waves Sam Altman’s wank-bot To find out more about RadicalxChange go to: https://www.radicalxchange.org/   To discuss the issues raised in this episode join us in the Democracy Sandpit - https://civility.bettermode.io/welcome   Visit www.percapita.org.au for more on our research and events. Per Capita's podcasts are recorded and produced on Wurundjeri land.

AI is transforming our world at rapid speed, raising urgent questions about who benefits, who loses, and how we keep control of the future.  Panellists from the Burning Platforms podcast and guests, explore the promises and pitfalls of AI - and what’s at stake for all Australians. Panellists include:  Lizzie O’Shea: Human Rights Lawyer & Chairperson, Digital Rights Watch  Peter Lewis: Executive Director, Essential Media & Fellow, Per Capita  Dan Stinton: CEO and Managing Director, Healthengine  Rikki Hendon: Secretary of Unions WA  Kate Chaney MP: Federal Member for Curtin While the boosters of AI are rushing to transform the world, citizens are being left in the slipstream, with little chance to influence how this new technology takes shape. AI systems are built by harvesting the ideas and creations of others, often without consent, and are already eroding jobs and reshaping culture on the promise of future productivity. As the Luddites taught us, the way we adopt technology will be critical to whether it improves people’s lives or cuts a swathe through jobs for the benefit of the few. Many Australians perceive more risk than upside in this new technology, so why is it being pushed so hard, with so few guardrails or controls in place? This event is hosted by Digital Rights Watch with support from The Minderoo Foundation.

Dan McQuillan, a professor and author of "Resisting AI," joins a panel to dissect the complicated landscape of artificial intelligence. They explore the launch of the Sora video platform and its potential for deepfakes, highlighting the thin veneer of safety measures. A lively debate ensues about AI's impact on film and advertising, revealing its manipulative potential. McQuillan argues for resisting AI's rapid development instead of mere regulation, citing ethical implications and systemic risks that could harm workers and society.

Cam Wilson, a journalist and co-author of 'Conspiracy Nation,' shares insights from his exploration of conspiracy movements in Australia, focusing on anti-vaxxers and sovereign citizens. He discusses how social media amplifies conspiracy thinking and the socioeconomic factors that drive individuals to these beliefs. The panel also debates the implications of AI on productivity and the challenges of managing its effects. They touch on media ownership issues related to Murdoch and TikTok and advocate for patient engagement to help de-radicalize individuals.

In this engaging discussion, Damian Kassabgi, CEO of the Tech Council of Australia, delves into the complex relationship between technology and democracy. He tackles pressing issues like age verification and the emotional implications of AI companions. The conversation also highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with social responsibility. Kassabgi and the panelists emphasize the importance of respectful tech dialogue in fostering local innovation while addressing the challenges posed by big tech and misinformation.

“I’m concerned that AI and big tech – well, big tech with AI – has gone into a full-court press… particularly on the federal system...I’m concerned that without thinking it through clearly enough, policy makers won’t essentially subject the slogans to sufficient scrutiny.”   This week on Burning Platforms, we recorded our special briefing for cultural creators and those who value their work to discuss Big Tech’s push to mine our culture. Our panel discusses: How AI large language models have been built on the theft of the work of musicians, writers journalists and artists. What the productivity Commission’s proposal to give AI companies a ‘right to mine data’ will do to Australian performers How creatives and citizens can resist the attacks from AI   Featuring: AI expert and author Professor Toby Walsh Midnight Oil front man Peter Garrett Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O’Shea Australian Writers Guild CEO Claire Pullen To discuss the issues raised in this episode join us in the Democracy Sandpit - https://civility.bettermode.io/welcome

Tim Ayres, Australia's Federal Industry and Science Minister, shares his journey from union roots to shaping national industry policy. He discusses the complex interplay between AI, energy, and water, stressing the importance of sustainable practices. The conversation also dives into copyright laws impacting AI development, emphasizing the need to balance innovation and authors' rights. Ayres highlights the crucial role of worker empowerment as technology evolves, advocating for collaboration to ensure equitable outcomes in a tech-driven future.

Can Australia play a leading role in imagining a tech future that isn’t controlled by either the US or China? Johanna Weaver from the Tech Policy Design Institute expands on her recent essay ‘System Update - An Australian-led new deal for tech’ - https://www.australianforeignaffairs.com/essay/2025/06/tech-wars   Regular panellists Digital Rights Watch Chair Lizzie O’Shea, Health Engine CEO Dan Stinton and Per Capita’s Peter Lewis will also discuss: what the new Federal Parliament means for tech how Cloudflare could rewrite the game in copyright and the rise of Satanic Chat Bots   To discuss the issues raised in this episode join us in the Democracy Sandpit -  https://civility.bettermode.io/welcome

The Large Language Models are powered by stolen data but there are new and innovative ways to make the thieves pay. Professor Toby Walsh explains the tech-driven resistance to Big AI from data poisoning to responsible cloud computing. With panellists Digital Rights Watch Chair Lizzie O’Shea, Editor of the Sizzle Cam Wilson, and Per Capita’s Peter Lewis we also discuss: Qantas’ big data hack Victoria’s foray into AI policing and how Velvet Sunset’s fake music is bringing tears to Peter’s eyes To discuss the issues raised in this episode join us in the Democracy Sandpit - https://civility.bettermode.io/welcome

"I thought old people got scammed. And actually young people are at greater risk because they have more confidence in dealing [with things] online." This week on Burning Platforms, the team learns how the financial scam industry has become an enthusiastic early adapter of AI and how the banks are working around the clock to ensure they aren’t the ones liable for the ensuing harm.  With our regular panelists Digital Rights Watch Chair, Lizzie O’Shea, Health Engine CEO Dan Stinton, Per Capita’s Peter Lewis, who are joined by co-founder of Scams Victims Alliance, Alex Brooks.  To discuss the issues raised in this episode join us in the Democracy Sandpit. (https://civility.bettermode.io/welcome) For more about Scams Victims Alliance go to: https://scamvictimalliance.org.au/