Podcast
TechTank
Hosted by Brookings Institution · EN
TechTank is a biweekly podcast from The Brookings Institution exploring the most consequential technology issues of our time. From artificial intelligence and racial bias in algorithms, to Big Tech, the future of work, and the digital divide, TechTank takes abstract ideas and makes them accessible. Moderators Dr. Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West speak with leading technology experts and policymakers to share new data, ideas, and policy solutions to address the challenges of our new digital world.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars
2w ago00:21:50Summary readyCars and trucks are being digitally connected through online sensors, safety devices, and entertainment systems, leading some observers to call vehicles today "smart phones on wheels." These features offer tremendous convenience for drivers and passengers, though the ubiquitous connections raise questions about privacy, security, legal liability, and consumer protection. In this episode, Darrell West is joined by Ian Barlow to discuss connected vehicles and opportunities to protect consumers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryHow should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns?
Apr 2000:44:28Summary readyLarge language models are now marketed for more than just efficiency—some companies are encouraging them for more personal use cases, such as health questions or companionship. These uses carry some privacy and mental health concerns, which lawmakers are currently trying to address. In this episode, guest host Josie Stewart is joined by Shae Gardner and Sydney Saubestre to discuss these approaches and what else we need to know to best address various harms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryTeens are using AI—but not how we think
Apr 600:29:25Summary readyA recent survey examined how U.S. teens use and view AI, finding the majority have used chatbots for schoolwork or searching for information. Teens reported varying opinions about how AI would impact them personally versus society, and these feelings and use cases varied across certain demographics. In this episode, Co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Monica Anderson, co-author of the study, to discuss these findings and how they relate to past studies on teens and technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryDoes the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?
Mar 2300:28:22Summary readyIn February, Anthropic faced an ultimatum from the Pentagon to provide unrestricted use of its AI models. When the company refused, the defense secretary labeled it as a "supply-chain risk" and soon after entered into a contract with OpenAI. In this episode, guest host Josie Stewart is joined by Stephanie Pell and Valerie Wirtschafter to discuss this feud, how it may affect perceptions of AI, and additional questions around who controls AI systems and more broadly how they are used within the federal government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryGoing back to the moon
Mar 900:35:55Summary readyThe U.S. will soon launch a crewed ship to circle the moon and test equipment for takeoff and reentry, raising interesting questions about space exploration and the role of private companies. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Casey Dreier of the Planetary Society to discuss this mission and the China-U.S. rivalry over space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhat to expect from the India AI Impact Summit
Feb 1600:34:16Summary readyIndia will host the latest in a series of global AI summits this month, marking the first of these convenings to take place in the Global South. The event will feature keynotes, panels, and an expo of deployable AI applications—all with a focus on impact. In this episode, guest host Brooke Tanner is joined by Brookings scholars Elham Tabassi and Cameron Kerry to discuss their expectations for the summit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryTech outlooks for 2026
Feb 200:35:32Summary readyFrom advances in generative AI to crackdowns on kids' use of social media, various discussions around technology are likely to continue or expand in 2026. This includes questions about how states and the federal government might regulate these technologies and what areas will be at the forefront of legislation. In this episode, co-hosts Darrell West and Nicol Turner Lee share their thoughts on what's ahead for tech in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryUniversities tackled digital inclusion—now they are accelerating AI use
Jan 1900:46:50Summary readySome surveys show the majority of college students are using AI for academics, and several institutions are also embracing the technology, looking for the best ways to make the technology accessible and understandable for all. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Lev Gonick to discuss these efforts and how they connect to prior work around digital inclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhy water is important for data centers
Jan 500:25:19Summary readyData centers are crucial for AI, but with thousands of file servers, they also require large amounts of energy and water. As more facilities are built, it’s important to understand this usage and how it might affect surrounding communities. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Joseph Kane to discuss how data centers use water and the policy questions surrounding these resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary'Navigating Technology and National Security’ with author Justin Sherman
Dec 2200:40:22Summary readyMany of today’s conversations about AI and emerging technologies are increasingly driven by questions about national security. These conversations are the latest in a longstanding debate over how the government uses a complex set of regulatory tools to protect critical technologies. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Justin Sherman to discuss these patterns and his new book, “Navigating Technology and National Security.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary