Hard Fork – Episode Summary: "Do You Need a New iPhone? + Yuval Noah Harari’s A.I. Fears + Hard Fork Crimes Division"

Release Date: September 13, 2024
Hosts: Kevin Roose and Casey Newton
Podcast Series: Hard Fork by The New York Times

1. Celebrating 100 Episodes

Kevin Roose and Casey Newton kick off the milestone 100th episode with enthusiasm, reflecting on their journey and the show's growth. Kevin humorously jests about not being invited to Apple’s latest event, setting a lighthearted tone for the episode.

2. Apple’s Latest Announcements: Should You Upgrade?

a. AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids

Timestamp: [04:03]

Casey Newton highlights Apple’s innovative move to integrate basic hearing aid features into the AirPods Pro 2. She emphasizes the potential positive impact on individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss:

“This might meaningfully improve the quality of a lot of people's lives.” [05:25]

Kevin Roose concurs, appreciating the accessibility and affordability compared to traditional hearing aids, while also pondering the social norms around ubiquitous earbud use.

b. Apple Watch Health Features

Timestamp: [09:25]

Apple introduces a new feature on the Apple Watch that detects breathing disturbances, potentially identifying sleep apnea. Casey Newton appreciates Apple’s strategy of bundling services, enhancing the watch’s utility beyond fitness tracking.

However, Kevin Roose raises a practical concern:

“But I charge my Apple Watch when I sleep.” [10:48]

They discuss the challenge of continuous monitoring versus device charging cycles.

c. iPhone Camera and AI Enhancements

Timestamp: [11:43]

The new iPhones boast advanced camera controls and AI-driven features. Casey Newton expresses skepticism about the necessity of manual adjustments, preferring AI to handle technical settings.

Kevin Roose introduces Apple’s “Visual Intelligence” feature, which offers real-time information through the camera, such as identifying dog breeds or business hours:

“Seems sort of rude to me... but man, did people come in my replies and say, hey, these things are hearing aids now.” [07:45]

They explore the balance between technological convenience and social interactions, contemplating future societal adaptations.

d. To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Timestamp: [17:50]

The hosts deliberate whether purchasing the latest iPhone is worthwhile. Casey Newton advocates for user autonomy, suggesting that upgrades should align with personal needs rather than marketing pressures:

“Which one of those should I choose? Is a different conversation.” [18:34]

Kevin Roose shares his stance of delaying upgrades unless essential, emphasizing sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

3. Interview with Yuval Noah Harari: A.I. Fears and Future Implications

Timestamp: [20:09]

Yuval Noah Harari, renowned historian and author of "Nexus," joins the show to delve into his concerns about artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the dual-edged nature of AI advancements, drawing parallels with historical technological revolutions.

a. Historical Perspectives on Technology

Harari reflects on the unintended consequences of the printing press, illustrating how increased information flow can lead to societal turmoil:

“We had the worst wave of witch hunts... Extremist literature were the big bestsellers.” [28:15]

b. AI’s Role in Modern Society

Discussing contemporary issues, Harari emphasizes the potential for AI to exacerbate societal divisions and undermine democratic processes:

“This is the AI apocalypse, not in the Hollywood industry style... decisions are increasingly made by AI and these decisions are becoming increasingly opaque to us.” [38:16]

c. Regulatory and Structural Changes Needed

Harari advocates for comprehensive regulations, including corporate liability for algorithmic actions and bans on bots masquerading as humans:

“We need a ban on bots pretending to be humans... Robots are welcome to join only if they identify as robots.” [39:27]

He stresses the urgency of addressing AI safety and ethical considerations to prevent systemic crises.

d. Personal Relationship with Technology

Harari shares his selective use of technology, highlighting a disciplined approach to avoid overreliance:

“I don't place it near my bed... I definitely don't... I don't want to be all the time with it.” [43:51]

Notable Quotes:

• Harari on AI Risks:

  “If we get another C minus in how to build AI based societies, this is terrible news for billions of people across the world.” [46:57]

• Casey on Apple’s Health Features:

  “These are accessibility tools and you need to lay off this one.” [07:45]

• Kevin on AI’s Practicality:

  “But when we look at the number. Most people do not upgrade their iPhones every year.” [16:55]

4. Hard Fork Crimes Division: Technology-Driven Crimes

The segment transitions into a discussion of recent crimes facilitated by technological advancements, highlighting the dark side of innovation.

a. Russian Influence Campaign Using Influencers

Timestamp: [53:07]

Casey Newton and Kevin Roose dissect a DOJ case where Russian operatives funneled $10 million through Tenet Media to pay conservative YouTubers like Benny Johnson and Tim Pool. The scheme involved promoting pro-Kremlin propaganda subtly:

“These YouTube influencers were doing the work of the Kremlin for them.” [60:46]

They debate the ethical implications and the effectiveness of such covert influence operations, questioning the influencers' awareness of their funding sources.

b. 3D Printed Gun Promotion

Timestamp: [62:33]

The hosts discuss the alarming rise of 3D-printed guns, particularly the FGC9 model, which can be manufactured at home using common 3D printers. Kevin Roos and Casey Newton express concern over the accessibility and legality of these weapons, advocating for stricter regulations to prevent misuse.

“It's a very good example of how a technology that is built to make things easier and better can instead make things more deadly.” [65:06]

c. Spotify Swindler Manipulating Streaming Royalties

Timestamp: [67:09]

Casey and Kevin explore a case where a man named Michael Smith exploited music streaming algorithms to generate $10 million in royalties. By creating AI-generated songs and using thousands of fake streaming accounts, he manipulated platforms like Spotify and Apple Music for financial gain.

“This is a crime of the future, right? Because you have this kind of platform that has minimal oversight and moderation.” [72:36]

They highlight the challenges of moderating emerging technologies and the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent such fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

In this 100th episode, Kevin Roose and Casey Newton navigate through Apple's latest technological advancements, engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue with Yuval Noah Harari about the profound implications of AI. The episode concludes with a gripping exploration of tech-driven crimes, underscoring the necessity for vigilant oversight in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Noteworthy Moments:

• Harari’s Warning:

  “The agency aspect of AI comes into its own.” [35:26]

• Insight on AI and Democracy:

  “Another case where you see... democracy is falling apart.” [40:29]

• Criminal Exploitation of Streaming Platforms:

  “The crime... was that he was essentially stealing from those other artists.” [73:21]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Hard Fork offers an incisive examination of contemporary technological issues, blending product analysis, intellectual discourse, and investigative reporting. Whether you're contemplating an iPhone upgrade, interested in the philosophical debates surrounding AI, or keen on understanding the intersection of technology and crime, this episode provides valuable insights and engaging discussions.

For those interested in more in-depth coverage and related topics, subscribe to Hard Fork on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit nytimes.com/podcasts.