TechTank

As driverless cars hit the roads in more cities, some researchers are trying to improve their efficiency and navigational systems by creating social networks of autonomous vehicles. In this episode, Darrell West speaks with Yong Liu about this research project and how it might improve the reliability of these systems while protecting passengers' privacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several major tech companies are facing legal challenges from antitrust enforcers who allege they have monopolized their respective markets. As courts determine proper redress in some cases, the remedies they choose might shape the future of digital competition. In this episode, guest host Bill Baer speaks with Rebecca Slaughter and Doha Mekki about these decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent report from Pew Research Center analyzed how U.S. adults and tech experts feel about AI, finding areas where the two groups were widely apart and where there was consensus. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner lee speaks with author of the study Monica Anderson from Pew about these opinions on AI and where these groups want to see more policies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid excitement around advancements in space exploration, there are unresolved issues concerning the role of private firms. Some companies receive billions of dollars in federal money and private sector leaders have been appointed to top positions at agencies like NASA. In this episode, co-host Darrell West speaks with investigative journalist Eric Lipton of the New York Times about the implications of these partnerships and what it means for space policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is talk of “unleashing AI” and removing burdensome regulations on its use within the new Trump administration. Staff members associated with the Department of Government Efficiency are using AI to analyze agency operations, gaining extraordinary access to government data. In this episode, co-host Darrell West speaks with Professor Allison Stanger on how DOGE is using AI in government and the risks presented by its access to government information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After The Atlantic's editor-in-chief revealed he was inadvertently added to a group chat with high-ranking national security officials on the commercial app Signal, there have been widespread discussions and concerns about how government officials communicate sensitive information. Co-host, Nicol Turner Lee, speaks to Brookings' experts Stephanie Pell and Scott Anderson on this story's implications for cybersecurity and privacy under the Trump administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a new Chair, Brendan Carr, and his priorities are quickly taking shape. The FCC is responsible for universal access to communications. Hear from former FCC Chair, Tom Wheeler, on the power of the chairmanship to shape the future priorities for American consumers and businesses, and what's in store for the independent agency under the Trump administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

African Americans have had long standing impacts in the field of innovation as inventors to entrepreneurs. In this episode, we will talk to serial entrepreneurs Erin Horne McKinney and John Pasmore to share how Black Tech founders are advancing their ideas, while navigating barriers that limit access to capital and relevant networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To ban or not to ban the social media app, Tik Tok? This has been the question since President Trump's first term in office, largely due to a host of national security concerns. The recent extension to the ban for identifying a U.S.-based buyer may have saved the app for online users but was it an overreach of Trump's power. In this episode, guests discuss the implications for the future of Tik Tok in the U.S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By 2050, Africa will be home to 25% of the world's population with more than $16 trillion in combined business and consumer spending. The dividends of innovation must be part of the continent's growth, as well as the global digital economy. On this episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host and Brookings fellow, Chinasa Okolo, speaks with author and Brookings Senior Fellow, Landry Signé about his new book, Realizing Africa's Potential: A Journey to Potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congress has not passed many bills on the emerging digital economy. But that does not mean nothing is happening policy-wise. At the state level, there were 238 new pieces of regulatory legislation, according to a new report from New York University. That is a 163 percent increase over 2023. New laws cover AI, non-consensual sexual imagery, political deepfakes, and copyright protection, among other topics. Joining us today is one of the authors of that report. Scott Brennen is the director of the NYU Center on Technology Policy. Darrell M. West and he will discuss why state lawmaking has accelerated and areas such as AI, non-consensual sexual imagery, political deepfakes, and copyright protection where bills have passed. They also will consider the state outlook for 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The digital world has become a dangerous place. We have seen foreign entities burrow intotelecom networks and extract highly confidential information. There have been hacks of vitalinfrastructure, ransomware attacks, and thefts of sensitive data bases. The Biden Administration sought to deal with emerging threats by defending criticalinfrastructure, disrupting threat actors, use market forces to improve security, and forginginternational partnerships.What remains to be seen, though, is how many of these initiatives will be maintained by the newTrump Administration. How the new president handles cybersecurity is an important topicbecause a CyberNews study recently found 65 percent of American companies scored a D orworse on cybersecurity and only 7 percent earned an A. It is clear that we all need to do a betterjob on protecting our digital assets.To help us understand these issues, Brookings colleagues Stephanie Pell and Darrell M. Westways to safeguard critical infrastructure, disrupt threat actors, and use market forces to improvesecurity and the manner in which Trump may move on cybersecurity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's election could set the stage for a sweeping policy overhaul, fueled by ambitious plans to make the United States the crypto capital of the world. From a potential national Bitcoin reserve to pro-crypto regulatory leadership, the sector is gearing up for a transformative period. With a Republican-controlled Congress and big industry campaign contributions in the 2024 election, the stakes are set for dramatic changes in crypto-policy and the overall crypto-landscape.This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-hosts Darrell West is joined by Aaron Klein, a Senior Fellow at the Center on Regulation and Markets at the Brookings Institution to discuss if the U.S will become the crypto capital of the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the TechTank Podcast, Cohost Darrell West and Nicol Turner Lee sit down to discuss what to expect in the coming years in regard to AI, antitrust enforcement, the digital divide, China, cryptocurrency, and disinformation and what people should watch from Capitol Hill and the administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the TechTank podcast guest host Xavier Freeman-Edwards is joined by Barry Rabe, Nonresident Senior Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and professor at the University of Michigan to discuss if the 2024 election will bring more attention to climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the TechTank Podcast co-host, Nicol Turner Lee, shares her new paper on this topic with Mary K. Engle Executive Vice President, Policy at BBB National Programs, and David Vladeck, the A.B. Chettle Chair in Civil Procedure and former Director of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection. They discuss the path forward for social media regulation and unpack the issues that are of main focus to teens and adults on the internet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the TechTank Podcast, Darrell West talks with Zia Qureshi a Brookings Institution Senior Fellow in Global Economy and Development about how cutting-edge tech like AI, quantum computing, and cloud storage are shaping inequality. They dive into whether these innovations will widen the gap between those with access to tech and those without, and what we can do to make sure technology benefits everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The TechTank Podcast, Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West explore how the Vice President candidate's tech policy stances might influence the campaigns and the election, and whether they will ultimately shape the future of technology in the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the TechTank podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by her colleagues, co-host Darrell West, and Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and Founding Director of the Center for Effective Public Management. Together, they will discuss the impact of disinformation on society and explore solutions presented in the new book authored by Darrell and Elaine titled Lies That Kill: A Citizen's Guide to Disinformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host, Darrell West speaks to Nicol Turner Lee, co-host and author of Digitally Invisible, to discuss what can be done by policymakers, industry, and civil society to talk about her new book, and share her thoughts on what it will take to narrow the widening disparities that exist around connectivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West is joined by Roxana Mika Muenster, COMPASS fellow at Brookings' Center for Technology and a doctoral student at Cornell University. Together, they explore what Project 2025 envisions for tech and media policy, and try to understand the impact their agenda would have on industry politics, and the voters themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Dr. Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Steven Overly, the host of POLITICO Tech at POLITICO, and Darrell West, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and TechTank co-host. Together, they discuss where tech and tech policies are in the upcoming election and understand what hotbed issues resonate with candidates and voters alike. [Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Biden's exit from the race on July 21, 2024.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee welcomes two distinguished guests: Arjun Subramonian, a Computer Science PhD candidate at the University of California, and Raj Korpan, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Hunter College, City University of New York. Together, they discuss their groundbreaking paper, "Queer in AI: A Case Study in Community-Led Participatory AI." This insightful episode dives into the significant risks AI poses to queer communities and explores innovative, community-driven solutions. Don't miss this compelling conversation on the intersection of technology and social justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on the latest episode of the TechTank Podcast, where co-hosts Darrell West and Nicol Turner Lee dive into the opportunities and challenges of the AI roadmap developed by Senator Schumer (D-NY) and the bipartisan commission. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the complexities and implications of this new initiative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee talks about the state of artificial intelligence in the law with Mark Brennan, a tech and telecoms lawyer, and John Villasenor, a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings. The conversation offers valuable insights into how AI is shaping the future of legal practice and the opportunities and liabilities for legal professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee speaks with Dr. Dominique Duval-Diop, the Chief Data Scientist for the United States, who reports directly to the Biden-Harris administration. Hear more about the White House's focus on equitable data and strategies for its effective implementation within our rapidly evolving systems. Dr. Duval-Diop also provides insights into how the nation navigates the plethora of data needs, including at federal agencies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the TechTank Podcast, we revisit a crucial discussion from 2022 on civil rights and artificial intelligence. On this previous episode Co-host Nicol Turner Lee was joined by Renee Cummings, a data activist in residence and criminologist at the University of Virginia's School of Data Science, along with Lisa Rice, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance. Together, they conducted a thorough exploration of these complex issues and provided valuable insights into addressing the urgent issue of equitable AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of the TechTank Podcast, Co-host Darrell West will delve into the significance of the mission to the Moon and its implications for future US space exploration policy. Joining Darrell is distinguished expert Marina Koren, a staff writer at The Atlantic. Marina regularly contributes to the magazine and recently authored an article titled “Apollo's Sequel Will Be a Gold Rush.” Together, they will explore the future of space exploration and the role of private companies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host Darrell delves into the intricacies of AI governance and provides insights into what to anticipate in the future of AI. To help address these critical questions, the podcast features a conversation with the distinguished expert, Steve Overly, the Host of Politico Tech, a daily podcast that explores technology's impact. Join us as we embark on this insightful journey into the evolving landscape of AI governance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Currently benefiting over 23 million households, the ACP has provided affordable broadband to those in need. But in recent weeks, it may be abruptly eliminated, and questions arise on whether it will hamper existing efforts to close the digital divide. On this episode of Tech Tank, co-host Nicol Turner Lee speaks with Colin Rhinesmith, the Founder and Director of Digital Equity Research Center, and Fallon Wilson, the Founder and Director of Black Churches for Digital Equity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West delves into the future and capabilities of powerful quantum computers. To aid in comprehending these revolutionary machines, Darrell West is joined by Joseph Keller, Visiting Fellow in Foreign Policy at the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology. Tune in for a highly informative conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the TechTank Podcast, cohost Nicol Turner Lee speaks with Jennifer Huddleston, a Technology Policy Research Fellow at the CATO Institute, and Christopher Wood, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of LGBT Tech Partnership & Institute. Together, they delve into the complexities surrounding regulatory efforts and explore the evolving landscape of how our kids interact with technology. They also offer their predictions on what may be next for Congress, states, and other stakeholders in the policy debates over children's privacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the TechTank podcast, co-hosts Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West kickoff 2024 with an insightful conversation on the state of tech policy with returning guests, MattPerault, Director of the Center on Science & Technology Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill, and ScottBrennen, the Head of Online Expression Policy at the Center on Technology Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill. Together, they discuss the intricacies of state policy within the dynamic and ever-evolving tech landscape, exploring key challenges and potential solutions that shape the future oftechnology governance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the TechTank Podcast Co-host Darrell West and Nicol Turner Lee discuss what lies ahead for tech policy in 2024 and what people should watch for from Congress, the Biden Administration, state and local government, and court cases. They cover topics such as AI, infrastructure implementation, problems of bias, safety, and transparency, and competition policy. A number of initiatives are pending, which likely will make the coming year an exciting time for technology policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by StephenBalkam, founder and CEO of FOSI, and Kara Sundby, Senior Director at KANTAR, to delve intothe findings of a new report focused on how teens and parents interact with generative AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West engages in a conversation withElaine Kamarck, the Founding Director of the Center for Effective Public Management, and aSenior Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. Together, they explore thetransformative impact of AI on the political landscape and explore what lies ahead for theupcoming election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the #TechTank podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee talks with CongresswomanYvette D. Clarke about her prior and current legislative directives focused on AI regulation, andthe urgency given the explosion of generative AI systems. The Congresswoman is a SeniorMember of both the House Energy and Commerce Commission, and the House Committee onHomeland Security. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From December 13 2021: How have teens, the most tech-savvy population of all, been navigating the internet, rife with the spread of misinformation, algorithmic discrimination and more? On TechTank, Samantha Lai will be joined by Taylor Lorenz, technology reporter for the New York Times and affiliate at the Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, to discuss how young people use the internet and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee speaks to Congressman Ted (D-CA) about these and other areas concerning AI regulation, oversight, and guidance in the United States. They also discuss how AI's regulation from other countries will influence national policymaking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-Host Nicol Turner Lee discusses what is new in the more recently updated Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. Joining the podcast to discuss those changes is Cherilyn Pascoe, Director of the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), who also shares resources and tools that all organizations of any size and sector can access. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, co-host Darrell West will be joined by Tom Colvin, a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) at NASA. In light of recent international interest in returning to the moon, they will discuss the implications of new lunar landings for the future of space exploration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, co-host Darrell West explores the ramifications of judicial constraints on executive agencies. Joining the conversation is Barry Rabe, a professor of political science and public policy at the University of Michigan and a nonresident senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. Together, they will discuss what the recent court decisions mean for new climate technologies, historical precedents on checks-and-balances, and the US as a leader in global trade and clean energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The explosive popularity of ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies has allowed the metaverse to escape public attention and regulators' notice, even as interest, investment, and development in virtual realities has increased worldwide. In this episode of TechTank, co-host Nicol Turner Lee examines the potential pitfalls of a virtual landscape and discusses the urgent need for guardrails with Tom Wheeler, Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of “AI makes rules for the metaverse even more important.” Together, they explore how virtual realities can revolutionize how we engage with each other, while also exacerbating existing concerns and introducing new risks, including discrimination and digital larceny. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host Darrell M. West explores potential paths forward in thesafety of kids online with Matt Perault, a professor at UNC's School of Information and Library Science,and Scott Brennen, the head of online expression policy at UNC's Center on Technology Policy. As co-authors of the report "Keeping Kids Safe Online: How Should Policymakers Approach Age Verification",both scholars will discuss current methods for age verification, consider the key trade-offs for each, andshare informed recommendations for policymakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the TechTank podcast, co-host Darrell M. West engages in an enlighteningconversation with Dr. Camille Busette, the interim Vice President of Governance Studies at theBrookings Institution, and Dr. Andre Perry, a senior fellow in the Metro program and Director ofthe Valuing Black Assets Initiative. As project co-leads, these esteemed researchers will sharetheir plans for the new Center and why they believe it will help us address issues of racial equityand justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee will be joined by Monica Anderson, director of internet and technology research at the Pew Research Center, Camisha Covington Parker, Dean at Northern Virginia Community College, and Girl Scout leader for Chloe Lee and Camdyn Parker, both high school students, who will share what policymakers and parents should consider when addressing the increasing use and impacts of social media on teens. Together, the guests will delve into a thought-provoking conversation around what policymakers, parents, and communities can do to ensure protections around teens and social media use, and the blind spots of current debates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the 2024 elections around the corner, political tensions are running high, and there isconsiderable concern about how generative AI will affect campaigns and election turnout. Thisweek, on the TechTank Podcast, co-host Darrell West will engage in a conversation on thesecrucial matters with Sarah M.L. Bender, an accomplished JD candidate from the University ofMichigan and the author of the article titled "Algorithmic Elections" in the Michigan LawReview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From November 28, 2022: In this episode of the podcast, co-host Darrell West speaks to Nicol Turner Lee, senior fellow in Governance Studies and director of the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings and Tom Wheeler, a visiting fellow in Governance Studies and the author of a forthcoming Brookings book, “Techlash” about Twitter's future, and the consequences of recent tumultuous changes at the company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last year, bank failures have dominated the news cycle. On this episode of the TechTank podcast,co-host Nicol Turner Lee will discuss why the technology sector has been particularly sensitive to recentbank failures, and what the future of banking looks like in the digital age. Joining the TechTank podcastto help discuss the future of banking is Aaron Klein, who is the Miriam K. Carliner Chair in EconomicStudies and Senior Fellow at the Center on Regulation and Markets at the Brookings Institution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consumer demand for wireless services continue to increase in the U.S., prioritizing the need for more licensed and unlicensed spectrum as more services migrate to mobile platforms. On this week's episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host Nicol Turner Lee sits down with Scott Blake Harris, Senior Spectrum Advisor, Office of the Assistant Secretary, National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) about the forthcoming National Spectrum Strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been considerable interest in recent months in generative AI that can answer questions, develop videos, write code, and perform many other tasks. On this week's episode of the TechTank Podcast, co-host, Darrell West, is joined by a distinguished expert, John Villasenor, professor of engineering, law, public policy, and management at UCLA and co-director of its Institute for Technology, Law, and Policy to discuss if generative AI will take jobs. Will it be possible for organizations to use these new tools to automate job tasks and reduce dependence on human labor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.