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.

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.

 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.