Age of AI

AI may appear immaterial, but the cloud has a physical footprint. In this episode of Age of AI, Ford Copple joins us to discuss the data centers behind artificial intelligence, including their economic benefits, energy and water demands, local impacts, and the policy choices communities face as AI infrastructure expands.Links:Building a Human-CenteredDigital Future Sutherland Institute releases AI data center research in new series on technology policy https://www.datacenterpolicy.com

In this episode, Medlir is joined by Clara Long, a human rights lawyer turned democracy strategist and co-lead of BLOOM. We discuss why public deliberation matters in an age of polarization and disinformation, how technology can support rather than replace civic judgment, and what it takes to help communities reason and decide together across difference.Bloom ProjectAI & Our CommunitiesAI and the Future of Our CommunitiesThe American Public Trust 

In this episode, host Medlir Mema sits down with Adam Billen, Co-Executive Director of Encode, to examine a surprising shift in U.S. AI policy. They discuss the Trump administration's recent efforts to establish a federal framework for frontier AI models, expand AI's role in national security, and limit state-level regulation. The conversation explores what these developments reveal about Washington's evolving approach to artificial intelligence, the changing relationship between government and AI companies, and the challenges of balancing innovation and security in the age of AI.Links:https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/06/promoting-advanced-artificial-intelligence-innovation-and-security/https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/06/national-security-presidential-memorandum-nspm-11/https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/eliminating-state-law-obstruction-of-national-artificial-intelligence-policy/https://encodeai.org

Michael Toscano joins Age of AI to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first AI encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. The conversation explores human dignity, digital dependency, family life, AI personhood, and why the Vatican believes the future of artificial intelligence is ultimately a question about what it means to be human.Links:https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.htmlhttps://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.htmlhttps://ifstudies.org/family-first-technology-initiativehttps://ifstudies.org/report-brief/high-tech-low-play-the-life-of-american-childrenhttps://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-leo-xiv-encyclical-magnifica-humanitas-ai.htmlhttps://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/idols-of-the-valley

AI is supposed to make marketing easier. So why are so many companies more confused about their messaging than ever? In this episode, Medlir talks with Josh Porter — author of The Last Human Marketer — about what he calls "drowning in automation": the paradox where scaling content and tools produces less clarity, not more. Josh makes the case that human judgment in positioning isn't a legacy constraint — it's a competitive edge. He also introduces the "Customer Connect Code," his framework for translating complex AI products into language that actually lands with buyers.Link:The Last Human Marketer

To open Season 14 of Age of AI, and to mark the podcast’s 5-year anniversary, we are joined by Dr. Valerie Hudson for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, governance, and the future of political order. Drawing on her decades of work at the intersection of international relations and emerging technology, Dr. Hudson reflects on how we arrived at this moment, the risks of concentrated technological power, and what a more democratic future for AI might require.Links:The Oxford Handbook of AI GovernanceOpinion: The reckoning that came for social media will come for AI and prediction markets, tooOpinion: Our tech lords have plans for us, and they’re chillingOpinion: The irony of Anthropic’s stand Perspective: Both Democrats and Republicans oppose a ban on state AI regulation. Why is it still being considered? An Avoidable ApocalypseArtificial Intelligence And International PoliticsSpecial Announcement: the AI Ethics and Governance Institute is organizing the AI Law & Governance Conference (ALGO 2026), an immersive executive program taking place September 8-10, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey. Organized in collaboration with two leading AI law firms, Kirton/McConkie and Clarion AI Partners, the program is designed for lawyers, corporate governance officials, government officials, and graduate students. For more information, please visit the AI Ethics and Governance Institute website: aegixinstitute.org

In this episode, Catherine Bracy, Founder and CEO of TechEquity and author of World Eaters, joins Medlir to examine how the venture capital model shapes not just startups, but the broader economy. From labor disruption and “ghost workers” to the growing concentration of power in the AI stack and the transformation of housing markets through tech platforms, the discussion explores how innovation, capital, and inequality intersect. Grounded in TechEquity’s work, the episode also considers what meaningful intervention could look like, and whether it is possible to steer technological progress toward more equitable outcomes.Links:Catherine Bracy The tech industry's growth should benefit everyone.World Eaters | How Venture Capital is Cannibalizing the Economy Privacy, Technology, and Fair Housing – In a nutshell AI & Workforce Development – November 2025 Report

Caryn Lusinchi, Young Diogenes, and Medlir are back to unpack the rapidly shifting landscape of AI safety following the IASEAI Conference in Paris. They explore how AI risk is evolving beyond technical challenges into global coordination problems, especially as systems become autonomous and agentic. From “synthetic outlaws” and shifting accountability, to emerging economic disruption and geopolitical competition, the discussion highlights how current governance frameworks are designed for humans, and struggling to keep pace. The episode closes by examining the unresolved gap between accelerating AI capabilities and fragmented global oversight. This raises a central question: is AI safety becoming a tool for protection, control -- both?Links:IASEAI’26 Conference AEGIX AE Ethics & Governance Institute 

Trooper Sanders joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on artificial intelligence and its effects on the economy, governance, and everyday life. Drawing on his experience advising on national AI policy, Sanders walks through the White House's new AI framework and the competing legislation it faces, unpacking the key tensions between innovation, safety, and federal versus state authority — and making the case that AI policy ranks among the defining societal challenges of our time, comparable to the great turning points in American history.Links:White House National Policy FrameworkBlackburn Omnibus AI Bill

In this episode of Age of AI, I share a conversation with international business attorney Jonathan Bench on what it means to govern intelligence in a rapidly shifting legal and geopolitical landscape. We explore how AI is reshaping the practice of law, what is keeping boards and executives up at night, whether regulation is constraining or enabling innovation, and why the global competition over AI may ultimately be a race to define standards rather than simply build faster models. Drawing on Jonathan’s experience advising companies, founders, and investment funds across multiple continents, this discussion examines the intersection of corporate governance, regulatory strategy, and long-term national competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence.Links:Jonathan Bench Personal Page AEGIX AI Law and Governance PracticumLawbalization Podcast 

From AI built religions on Moltbook to human simulation platforms like RentAHuman, the boundaries between human and machine are already blurring. While Congress debates national frameworks, US states are advancing their own AI transparency and safety laws. In this episode, Alexandra Tsalidis of the Future of Life Institute breaks down how state governments are shaping AI policy, why voters are backing these efforts, and how a growing federal preemption fight could determine who governs AI in America.Links:Alexandra Tsalidis - Future of Life InstituteMoltbook: AI bots use social network to create religions and deal digital drugs – but are some really humans in disguise?The Hill Republican who could get a deal on AI — if his leadership lets him ‘Vance Is Handcuffed’: The Tech Fight Bedeviling 2028 Republicans

In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, investor, educator, and author Jeff Burnigham to explore what it truly means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence. The author of  bestselling book: The Last Book Written by a Human, Jeff reframes AI not as a technological challenge but as a human one. We discuss why simulated understanding is not the same as lived experience, how love, loss, and wisdom ground us in an age of acceleration, the risks of synthetic relationships and attention capture, and why becoming an anomaly willing to step outside normalized patterns may be essential to shaping a more humane future.Links:Jeff Burningham LinkedInThe Last Book Written by a HumanPodcasting @ The Extraordinary Us

In this episode of Age of AI, Medlir sits down with Melissa McKay, Founder of the Digital Childhood Institute. They examine how Big Tech platforms and app store gatekeepers have failed to protect kids online. From Google emailing children in order to remove parental controls, to deceptive app age ratings, we discuss how safety breakdowns are not accidents but predictable outcomes of misaligned incentives. Online harm to children is not inevitable. It appears to be designed, normalized, and protected by powerful systems that profit from inaction.Links:Digital Childhood Institute Google’s Broken Promise of Safety Child Advocates File Landmark FTC Complaint Against Apple Over Pervasive Harms to Kids OpenAI, childrens’ advocates join forces on initiative to protect kids from chatbots Grok, CSAM, and the Gatekeepers Who Looked Away H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments 

In this episode of Age of AI, Medlir speaks with Seth Lewis, professor at the University of Oregon and a leading scholar of journalism, AI, and communication. The conversation explores what Lewis calls the “AI turn” in journalism: a moment when generative AI begins to challenge core ideas about authorship, creativity, trust, and professional identity. We examine how AI is moving from a backstage technology to an active participant in communication, how it shapes trust in society, and how we can retain our ability to ‘think’ in an age of AI.Episode Links:https://www.sethlewis.org/Artificial intelligence and communication: A human–machine communication research agendaTechnological Hype and AI in Journalism: Five Functions and Why They MatterGenerative AI and its disruptive challenge to journalism: An institutional analysisThe AI turn in journalism: Disruption, adaptation, and democratic futures

In this episode, host Chris Lamont is joined by Christoph Regli, Swiss Air Force drone pilot, commercial airline pilot, and aviation scholar, to explore one of the most unsettling questions in civil aviation governance: would you trust an aircraft with no human pilot on board?Drawing on his experience as a pilot, engineer, regulator, and researcher, Regli unpacks the regulatory, technical, and societal challenges of introducing AI pilots into the cockpit. The conversation moves beyond technology to examine trust, certification versus licensing, human versus machine judgment, and why aviation regulation, which is “written in blood,” poses unique obstacles to autonomous flight.From sensor reliability and explainability to accountability, social acceptance, and the future of pilot training, this episode offers a rare insider perspective on why fully autonomous commercial aviation remains elusive and what would need to change before society is ready to board.Links:On Automation of Flight Training of AI Pilots: A Formal Language to Particularize Flight Instruction Scenarios Could AI make flying more dangerous? | Christoph Regli | TEDxZHAWThis episode is part of a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) 25K04983 project “Global Governance of Civil Aviation in the Indo-Pacific” 2025-2027

Fresh off the 2025 Utah AI Summit, Utah’s Department of Commerce director Margaret Busse joins us to break down what really happened when policymakers, educators, and tech leaders came together to imagine a Pro Human future. We talk standout moments, surprises, and why Utah’s new Office of AI Policy is getting national attention. This conversation offers a clear view into how Utah is positioning itself at the forefront of responsible AI leadership.Links:Margaret Busse Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy Utah AI Summit 

Caryn Lusinchi returns to unpack a whirlwind week in AI policy across the EU and the United States. We break down the European Commission's new Digital Omnibus proposals and a leaked US executive order that aims to rein in state-level AI rules, looking at what these moves could mean for companies, regulators, and the future of AI governance. A fast-moving and timely conversation at the crossroads of technology, law, and society."Links:Digital Omnibus Regulation ProposalLaunching the Genesis MissionWhat the leaked AI executive order tells us about the Big Tech power grab

In this episode, Medlir sits down with Dr. Elke Schwarz—Professor of Political Theory at Queen Mary University of London and author of Death Machines: The Ethics of Violent Technologies—to explore how AI is transforming not only the tools of war, but the very way we understand conflict, responsibility, and humanity itself. We also explore the rise of apocalyptic narratives surrounding AI—what Dr. Schwarz calls “techno-eschatology.” Why are end-times stories so dominant in our cultural imagination? What political possibilities do they shut down?Links:Eichmann’s inheritance – On AI and autonomous weapons in a darkening worldGaza war: Israel using AI to identify human targets raising fears that innocents are being caught in the netBeyond Law: Reaffirming the Centrality of Ethics in WarThe (im)possibility of responsible military AI governanceFrom blitzkrieg to blitzscaling: Assessing the impact of venture capital dynamics on military normsThe Silicon Valley venture capitalists who want to ‘move fast and break things’ in the defence industryConjuring the End: Techno-eschatology and the Power of Prophecy

In this episode, Eugene Tan from RSIS Singapore and Chris explore how advances in aviation technology are transforming our airspace. With cargo drones and urban air taxis taking to the skies, how will an increasing number of autonomous or remotely piloted aircraft safely share the airspace with traditional aviation? What new security, privacy, and safety risks do such air mobility systems bring? And how will regulatory and governance regimes adapt to these challenges? Show Notes: https://www.caas.gov.sg/who-we-are/newsroom/Detail/asia-pacific-region-adopts-reference-materials-for-the-regulation-of-air-taxis-and-drones https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-low-altitude-economy-air-taxi-drones-policy-regulations-5419456 https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/content/001757082.pdfhttps://www.euronews.com/2025/11/05/latest-drone-sightings-force-flight-cancellations-at-belgiums-main-airportThis episode is part of a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) 25K04983 project “Global Governance of Civil Aviation in the Indo-Pacific” 2025-2027

Political anthropologist Eduardo Albrecht joins us to explore how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming the way governments think, decide, and rule. From the rise of “political machines” to the idea of a new Third House of democracy, we unpack what happens when citizens become data—and how power itself is being rewritten in the age of automation.Links:https://eduardoalbrecht.com/Political Automation: An Introduction to AI in Government and Its Impact on Citizens

In this episode, Chris Lamont sits down with Oscar Avatare and Akshay Chalana, co-founders of Saphira AI, for an in-depth exploration of AI robotics transitioning from controlled laboratory environments into complex, real-world applications. Drawing on their experience building hardware controls and virtualization systems for companies including Tesla and Amazon, as well as their work on Hyperloop technology—where they worked on challenges like making propulsion, braking, and electronics function in vacuum chambers—Oscar and Akshay examine the critical challenges of establishing robust safety frameworks and industry standards for autonomous systems operating in unpredictable settings. The conversation also delves into how geopolitical tensions and international competition are reshaping the global robotics landscape, influencing both technological development priorities and regulatory approaches across different regions.Links: https://blog.saphira.ai/mobile-robot-safety-standards-understanding-iso-3691-4-(driverless-industrial-trucks)-and-r15-08-(industrial-mobile-robots)-implementation/#1-a-shifting-landscape-in-safety-standardshttps://www.reuters.com/sports/robots-race-play-football-crash-collapse-chinas-robot-olympics-2025-08-15/

Why do people sometimes trust AI—even when it's prone to error? In this episode, Medlir explores this question and more with business communication expert Peter Cardon, author of Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World and co-author of Business and Professional Communication: Putting People First. They dive into how AI is reshaping interpersonal relationships, communication, and public confidence in institutions. From emotional authenticity to regulatory challenges, this conversation unpacks the complex ways AI is influencing how we connect, believe, and lead.Links:Peter W. CardonArticles by Peter Cardon2025 Edelman Trust Barometer

Four years ago, two Tokyo-based academics and a Diogenes-inspired persona sparked a conversation that became The Age of AI podcast. Today we celebrate our 100th episode—a milestone reflecting on humanity's journey through the LLM explosion, AI's disruptive rise, and the ethical crossroads we now face. Our co-host Young Diogenes, re-trained and more philosophical than ever, is asked a deceptively simple question: "In a world increasingly shaped by machine logic, what makes us human?"From civilizational myopia to AI governance challenges, from ChatGPT's impact on how we think and learn, to speculation about AI running for office, this episode captures both the promise and peril of our AI-shaped future, as well as suggestions by YD on how to potentially avoid a negative future. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or are discovering us now, join us in exploring what it means to stay human in the age of artificial intelligence.Two Types of AI Existential Risk: Decisive and AccumulativeThe Gentle Singularity - Sam AltmanExistential Threat of Generative AI - ChatGPT and Generative AI Legal Research Guide - LibGuides at University of Arizona Law Library#AIGovernance #AIEthics #AIandSociety #FutureOfAI #AIPhilosophy #AgeOfAI #Podcast #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #LLM #Diogenes #TechEthics #FutureOfAI #AIandSociety #AI2030 #AIoptimism #AIgovernance

What does it mean for Europe to be digitally sovereign in a world dominated by tech giants and geopolitical power struggles? In this episode, Oskar Gstrein joins Chris to unpack that question. Against the backdrop of U.S.-China tech competition and shifting global alliances, they explore the boundaries of digital sovereignty and delve into the emerging idea of data autonomy as a guiding principle for Europe’s digital strategy. Links:https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1189676103/EERR2023028.pdfhttps://dig.watch/updates/denmark-moves-to-replace-microsoft-software-as-part-of-digital-sovereignty-strategy 

With the Trump administration reversing previous US AI strategy with a focus on security and US-China competition, Chris sits down with Medlir and Caryn at the Global Governance Institute in Brussels to analyze the new administration's approaches to AI. Links:https://www.justsecurity.org/113944/what-comes-next-after-trumps-ai-deals-in-the-gulf/https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/679852/trump-ai-safety-institute-name-mission-change

This week, we're talking to Egor Olte Anu, CEO of Volt.ai, the company making waves for using artificial intelligence to detect and stop physical threats as they happen. From violent crimes to medical emergencies, Volt’s tech is being hailed as a game-changer for public safety. But as their systems get smarter, the questions get more urgent: What about privacy? How far is too far when it comes to surveillance in the name of safety? Tune in for a conversation on innovation, ethics, and safety.Links:https://www.volt.ai/abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/egoro/https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/01/10/safer-schools-tech-strategies-for-digital-and-physical-security/https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/volt-ai-discusses-physical-security-data-privacy-and-future-of-companyhttps://wjla.com/news/local/attempted-assassination-trump-pennsylvania-rally-security-shooting-prevention-threats-ai-artificial-intelligence-technology-system-track-shooter-suspect-weapons-guns-school-detect-video-data-real-time-maryland

Medlir sits down with Jesse Anglen, CEO and Founder of Rapid Innovation, a company that helps entrepreneurs build AI and blockchain-powered products. They discuss the transition into a digital workforce and how best to prepare for a post-work economy. Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseanglen/https://www.rapidinnovation.io/about-us 

Adalberto Gonzalez, AI Strategic Advisor for Design Thinking Japan, joins Chris for a conversation on his pioneering work on GenAI for Accenture in North America.  We discuss his more recent work with Design Thinking Japan and his AI Signal’s comprehensive report that tells us where breakthroughs in AI will have the greatest impact. Plus, what worries him most and what excites him most about these developments.Links:AI Signals 2025 Report Design Thinking Japan, Brittany Arthur, CEO

As Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) moves closer to reality, the world faces a crucial question: Who—if anyone—should govern it? In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with governance expert Justin Bullock to explore the challenges of regulating AGI at a global scale. Could a Global AGI Agency provide the oversight we need, or is international cooperation on AI doomed to fail? From the risks of unchecked AGI development to the hurdles of enforcing global AI policy, this conversation unpacks the future of AI governance and the stakes for humanity.Links:https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/630b0421cd31598bbf8f31e7/67866b3ce4e06de6fadc3c45_2025-GGI-Bullock-Global-AGI-Agency.pdfhttps://www.globalgovernance.eu/ggi-education/aigghttps://www.lesswrong.com/posts/5hApNw5f7uG8RXxGS/the-open-agency-model 

In this episode of Age of AI, host Medlir Mema sits down with Caryn Lusinchi—AI auditor, policy advisor, and former AI leader at Meta and Google—to explore the tensions between innovation and regulation. Can international AI governance truly work, or are we heading toward fragmented, sovereign AI ecosystems? Join us as we discuss the EU AI Act, the Paris AI Action Summit, the rise of national AI programs, and the future of AI regulation in an era of accelerating change.Links:https://www.globalgovernance.eu/publications/ais-fast-forward-button-can-we-harness-innovation-without-sacrificing-safetyhttps://www.globalgovernance.eu/publications/the-eu-ai-act-two-steps-forward-one-step-backhttps://www.cnas.org/publications/commentary/the-rising-tide-of-sovereign-ai 

In this episode, David Mas, Chief AI Officer at Make.org, and Medlir explore how AI can strengthen democratic participation and institutional transparency. They discuss the ambitious AI for Democracy Democratic Commons initiative, consider how AI can help counter the erosion of democratic legitimacy, and examine how democracies can respond to weaponization of AI by authoritarian regimes.Links:AI For Democracy Democratic CommonsAI & Democracy: Insights from Make.org’s Roundtable Discussion

Medlir is joined by Dr. Nafiseh (Cati) Molaei, a Postdoctoral Scholar specializing in Biomedical Data Science at Northwestern University to discuss how AI is reshaping the medical landscape. From diagnosing complex diseases to personalizing treatment plans, AI is driving innovations that were once thought impossible.Links:https://datascience.uchicago.edu/events/nafiseh-cati-mollaei-uchicago-aiscience-schmidt-fellows-speaker-series/https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/epdf/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.01003https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03097-1 

Today we dive into the evolving conversation on AI risk and governance. Our guests, Torben Swoboda and Risto Uuk, discuss the challenges of defining AI risk, the debate over acceptable thresholds, and common critiques of the existential risk perspective. We also examine the feasibility of global AI governance and historical parallels that may guide our path forward.Links:Examining Popular Arguments Against AI Existential Risk: A Philosophical AnalysisPause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Letter

In this episode Ritwik Gupta of the Berkeley AI Research Lab returns to talk with Chris about what DeepSeek really means for the AI Industry, Trump’s recent Stargate AI initiative, US-China AI competition, policy responses to DeepSeek, and where we should be looking for the next big disruptive event in the world of AI.Links:https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.14425https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-hawley-act-threatens-ai-innovation#DeepSeek #Stargate #Policy

In this episode we’re joined by Jeremy Tamanini, founder of Dual Citizen LLC, to explore the intersection of AI and environmental sustainability during the Trump 2.0 era. From the environmental impacts of AI infrastructure, to innovative practices and emerging legislation, this conversation dives deep into how AI can be both a challenge and a tool for sustainability.Links:Jeremy Tamanini, Dual Citizen: https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/person/jeremy-tamaniniAnatomy of an AI System: https://anatomyof.ai/Epoch AI: https://epoch.ai/Navigating New Horizons: https://www.unep.org/resources/global-foresight-reportHow AI Is Fueling a Boom in Data Centers and Energy Demand The Environmental Impacts of AI -- Primer: https://time.com/6987773/ai-data-centers-energy-usage-climate-change/?utm_source=chatgpt.comKeywords: AI sustainability, environmental impact, Trump 2.0, Dual Citizen LLC, responsible AI, AI legislation, sustainable innovation, climate and technology.

Medlir Mema engages in an insightful discussion with Matt Van Itallie, the CEO of Sema Software, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing software analytics and risk management in the age of artificial intelligence. Sema has transformed the field of software analytics and set new standards for monitoring and risk management in AI-driven development. Matt shares insights into the evolving responsibilities of CTOs, the creation of transformative tools like the GenAI Code Monitor and Generative AI Bill of Materials, and the critical strategies companies need to address both technological and geopolitical challenges in the age of rapid innovation.Links:Matt Van Itallie Sema SoftwareKeywords:AI innovation, software analytics, CTO leadership, GenAI Code Monitor, AI risk management

Medlir sits with Iva Mema to discuss how AI shapes architectural design and public policy decision-making. They also explore the risks of perpetuating discrimination through biased algorithms, the potential for job displacement, and the over-reliance on technology that might diminish human creativity and expertise. https://www.ivamema.com/#AI, #Algorithmic_Bias; #Architecture; #Public_Policy; #Smart_Cities

Medlir is joined by Melanie Rideout, a climate tech expert and Global Governance Institute (GGI) fellow, who shares her insights from working with Shayp and international organizations like the Red Cross and UN bodies. Together they explore the opportunities, challenges, and complexities of leveraging technology for global development and climate action.#SustainableDevelopment #EmergingTech #ClimateAction #GlobalDevelopment #AIforGood

In today's episode, Medlir chats with Elena Ardelean. We discuss the Matrix Framework for Inclusive AI in Sustainable Development, focusing on three pillars: the regulatory environment, digital infrastructure, and the empowerment of youth as the next generation of changemakers. We further explore how lessons from AI's rapid evolution inform strategies for equitable integration into the future of work and daily life. Finally, we highlight how governments—particularly in developing countries—are leveraging AI today, and discuss steps to ensure sustainable, inclusive AI adoption in the future.#Inclusive AI; #Sustainable Development; #Digital Infrastructure; #Future of Work, #AI for Good

Chris and Medlir talk with Ritwik Gupta about what policymakers get wrong about AI governance and what we should be thinking about when it comes to risk and regulation. Ritwik also shares his wide-ranging experience in working on AI in the context of chaotic environments in disaster response and national security. Show Notes:https://ritwikgupta.me/ https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.17216 

Chris talks with Marietje Schaake about her new book The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley and explores the nexus between Big Tech, democracy, and human rights. In particular, Marietje shares with Chris ideas and strategies for recentering the public interest in the relationship between big tech and governments, the geopolitics of technology, and recent developments in the global governance of AI.Links:https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691241173/the-tech-couphttps://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/un-ai-global-digital-compact-by-ian-bremmer-and-marietje-schaake-2024-10 

Welcome back to our podcast! In this episode Medlir and Dr. Gloria Shkurti Ozdemir discuss her recently released book "Artificial Intelligence Arms Dynamics: The Case of the U.S. and China Rivalry." Their discussion dives into the latest AI-related developments in Turkey, the state of US-China competition in AI, as well as some other delightful tangents.Links:https://www.setav.org/en/experts/gloria-shkurtihttps://www.setav.org/en/the-future-of-ai-policies-in-the-us-and-implications-for-turkiyehttps://www.setav.org/en/artificial-intelligence-arms-dynamics-the-case-of-the-us-and-china-rivalryhttps://www.setav.org/en/crossing-the-rubicon-consumption-costs-of-artificial-intelligence-and-environmental-securityhttps://www.ageofaipodcast.com/1727342/episodes/9850363-s2e7-turkey-s-emergence-as-a-regional-ai-powerTags: #AI; #US-China; #Turkey;

Medlir shares insights with Chris from the UN Summit of the Future. They discuss the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. In addition, Medlir and Chris also discuss California’s recently vetoed AI safety legislation and the proposed US national AI Civil Rights Act.Links:https://www.un.org/techenvoy/global-digital-compacthttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-24/openai-pitched-white-house-on-unprecedented-data-center-buildouthttps://apnews.com/article/california-ai-safety-measures-veto-newsom-92a715a5765d1738851bb26b247bf493https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/openai-authors-get-rules-set-for-inspecting-ai-training-datahttps://www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/research/2024/07/29/taylor-francis-ai-deal-sets-worrying-precedenthttps://www.markey.senate.gov/view/senator-markey-hosts-press-conference-to-introduce-his-ai-civil-rights-act Tags:UN Summit of the Future; Pact for the Future; Global Digital Compact; AI Governance

In the first episode of Season 9, Medlir and Chris revisit the topic of AI agents, AI and US-China relations, and also China’s recent moves in regulating AI. They then wrap up with a discussion of the Summit of the Future, and AI and Sustainable Development.Links:https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-futurehttps://www.globalgovernance.eu/education/aigsdhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/09/06/agentic-ai-the-next-big-breakthrough-thats-transforming-business-and-technology/https://usun.usmission.gov/what-they-are-saying-more-than-50-un-member-states-join-u-s-in-urging-support-for-proposed-u-s-drafted-general-assembly-resolution-on-ai/https://apnews.com/article/un-china-us-artificial-intelligence-access-resolution-56c559be7011693390233a7bafb562d1https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-artificial-intelligence-safety-resolution-vote-8079fe83111cced0f0717fdecefffb4dhttps://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3265158/china-uae-hi-tech-cooperation-can-expect-close-us-scrutiny-pressure-expertshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-02/microsoft-ai-deal-with-uae-s-g42-at-risk-over-national-security-fears #UNSummitoftheFuture #AgenticAI #China #SDG #SustainableDevelopment

Maria Santacaterina and Medlir discuss the impact of generative AI on businesses. They ask the question whether the massive financial investment in generative AI will pay off for these businesses. Is the promise of AI, hype or real?Links:https://www.santacaterinaconsulting.com/https://www.amazon.com/Adaptive-Resilience-Maria-Santacaterina/dp/1119898188https://www-businessinsider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.businessinsider.com/ai-return-investment-disappointing-goldman-sachs-report-2024-6?amphttps://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/gen-ai-too-much-spend-too-little-benefit.htmlTags: Generative AI, investment, AI hype, BigTech, future of work

In July 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Defense unveiled its first basic policy document on the use of artificial intelligence and a comprehensive strategy to enhance Japan’s cyber defense capabilities. In this episode Dr. Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi of the University of Tokyo, joins us to talk about how AI fits into Japan’s military strategy. Links:https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/02/japan/sdf-cybersecurity/#:~:text=In%20the%20new%20policy%2C%20the,and%20in%20unmanned%20military%20assets.https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240705_05/(In Japanese) https://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2024/07/02a.html #Japan #militaryAI #artificialintelligence

Medlir sits down with Dr. Paige Arthur, Director of Global Programming at Columbia Global, and co-author of AI for Peace (with Branka Panic), to discuss how recent AI innovations can contribute to conflict prevention and peace. They also explore the opportunities and challenges that technologies pose for human rights and curbing hate speech.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-arthur-6269001b/https://www.aiforpeace.org/https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003359982/ai-peace-branka-panic-paige-arthurhttps://www.usip.org/publications/2023/12/role-ai-peacebuildinghttps://www.sipri.org/research/armament-and-disarmament/emerging-military-and-security-technologies/responsible-innovation-ai-peace-and-securityhttps://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20231208-messaggio-57giornatamondiale-pace2024.html #AI, #Human_Rights, #Peace, #Misinformation, #Hate_Speech

This week, our annual Diogenes Awards. We take a look at AI in television and film (and sometimes other musings and occasional 'arguments'). We discuss each host's top nominee(s) since 2023, and then narrow it to the consensus pick for all of you. Links below so you can join us in checking these out (in no particular order).Top TV Nominees:Mrs. Davis | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIOnrEujKl8 Black Mirror Season 6 Episode 1: Joan is Awful | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jY1ecibLYoUNKNOWN: Killer Robots | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsSzNOpr9cEA Murder at the End of the World | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4B5igIblb4Top Movie NomineesMegan | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRb4U99OU80Dune: Part Two | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Way9Dexny3wMission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avz06PDqDbMThe Creator | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex3C1-5Dhb8Heart of Stone | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8ZlzKgNxNk 

Chris talks with Mihalis Kritikos of the European Commission on Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Trustworthy Governance of AI. Mihalis sheds light on how he got started working on AI governance during the Covid-19 pandemic, the ethics of AI, the EU AI Act, and also AI surveillance in the workplace.Links:https://books.emeraldinsight.com/page/detail/ethical-ai-surveillance-in-the-workplace/?k=9781837537730https://epthinktank.eu/2020/04/22/ten-technologies-to-fight-covid-19/https://epthinktank.eu/2020/12/25/what-if-ai-could-improve-thermal-imaging-to-help-fight-coronavirus/https://epthinktank.eu/2020/12/23/what-if-artificial-intelligence-in-medical-imaging-could-accelerate-covid-19-treatment/https://epthinktank.eu/2020/12/22/what-if-ai-powered-passenger-locator-forms-could-help-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19/https://epthinktank.eu/2020/12/02/digital-human-rights-and-the-future-of-democracy-lessons-from-the-pandemic/

Chris talks to Maya Sobchuk, GGI non-resident fellow and researcher at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo about her work on AI and disinformation. In this episode Maya reflects on the history of Russian disinformation campaigns against Ukraine, disinformation in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and how Ukraine has harnessed its AI know-how and innovation space to counter disinformation. Link:https://www.globalgovernance.eu/publications/how-ukraine-uses-ai-to-fight-russian-information-operationshttps://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/04/08/how-ukraine-is-using-ai-to-fight-russiaTags: #AI #Ukraine #Russia #disinformation #FIMI #deepfakes