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.
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Building resilience in concentrated cyber ecosystems
2d ago00:31:33Summary readyCyber risk in an interconnected environment is increasingly complex for organizations to assess and address. Navigating this elevates the question of vendor concentration, which can be an asset or liability depending on the rules in place. In this episode, guest host Stephanie Pell is joined by Diana Burley and Rhea Siers to discuss how this works in practice and their recent paper examining how organizations can achieve resilience in concentrated ecosystems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryAI and toddlers: The impacts on early development
2w ago00:42:59Summary readyAs AI becomes more ubiquitous in our lives, babies and toddlers are also interacting with it more. But it's unclear how the technology could affect children in this critical stage of development. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Sweta Shah and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek of Brookings' Center for Universal Education to discuss their findings as part of a series called, "Generation AI starts early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryThe importance of investing in space infrastructure with Bridgit Mendler and Mariel Borowitz
Jul 2000:26:29Summary readyThe space economy is accelerating at a rapid pace with advances in space tourism, mining, exploration, communications, and defense, but to expand upon these activities, the U.S. needs to invest in ground stations and space infrastructure to help commercial firms take advantage of the growing opportunities. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Bridgit Mendler of Northwood Space and Mariel Borowitz of the Georgia Institute of Technology to discuss the importance of these investments and how the government can best support new advancements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryHow robotics is reshaping manufacturing
Jul 600:28:32Summary readyTechnological advances are reshaping manufacturing processes, and robotics, in particular, are important to improve efficiency and advance military preparedness. Yet there are questions about what robotics can do and what governments and businesses should be doing to accelerate these technologies. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Suzy Teele of the ARM Institute to discuss these questions and her work on advancing innovations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryHow technology can help save democracy
Jun 1500:32:34Summary readyTechnology is accelerating rapidly, raising concerns about how artificial intelligence and other tools are altering communications, decisionmaking, and governance. Yet, these important conversations often overlook how technology can strengthen democratic institutions by expanding participation and improving service delivery. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Beth Simone Noveck to discuss these possibilities explored in her new book, “Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryMaintaining privacy and security with connected cars
May 400:21:50Summary 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.
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