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TechTank

TechTank

Brookings Institution 137 Episodes Oct 5, 2026

TechTank is a biweekly podcast from The Brookings Institution that explores the most consequential technology issues of our time, including artificial intelligence, racial bias in algorithms, Big Tech, the future of work, and the digital divide. Moderators Dr. Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West speak with leading technology experts and policymakers to share new data, ideas, and policy solutions. The podcast aims to make abstract ideas accessible to a broad audience.

Episodes

Addressing 'insider' AI agents with Camille Stewart Gloster
Addressing 'insider' AI agents with Camille Stewart Gloster Oct 5, 2026 25:35 Organizations are quickly adopting agentic systems that introduce new and complex governance challenges, yet few have the necessary rules in place to account for when something goes wrong. Still, even in the absence of federal legislation, enterprises and individuals must understand the technology, its limitations, and how to control it. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by autho
Weighing the existential risks of AI and the proposals to prevent them
Weighing the existential risks of AI and the proposals to prevent them Sep 21, 2026 38:04 Recent warnings about the possible existential threats some say AI may pose to humanity have led to heightened debates about how we should address these concerns. Policymakers are now more seriously weighing what actions from both government and business are needed to reassure a nervous public that AI is safe, reliable, and helpful. In this episode, Darrell West is joined by fellow Brookings colle
Bans on screen time will uniquely affect students of color
Bans on screen time will uniquely affect students of color Sep 7, 2026 34:18 Conversations about the importance of getting children access to technology have morphed into efforts to remove devices from the classroom and restrict kids’ access to social media. Yet, the discussions leading up to these bans frequently lack participation from youth and an assessment of cultural norms. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Meisha Porter, Desmond Upton Patton, and Ashley
The guiding objective for addressing cyber risk
The guiding objective for addressing cyber risk Aug 17, 2026 31:33 Cyber risk in an interconnected environment is increasingly complex for organizations to assess and address. Navigating such challenges elevates the question of vendor concentration, which can introduce certain risks but also provide important strengths. In this episode, guest host Stephanie Pell is joined by Diana Burley and Rhea Siers to discuss their recent paper, which argues that resilience s
AI and toddlers: The impacts on early development
AI and toddlers: The impacts on early development Aug 4, 2026 42:59 As 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 ear
The importance of investing in space infrastructure with Bridgit Mendler and Mariel Borowitz
The importance of investing in space infrastructure with Bridgit Mendler and Mariel Borowitz Jul 20, 2026 26:29 The 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 Ma
How robotics is reshaping manufacturing
How robotics is reshaping manufacturing Jul 6, 2026 28:32 Technological 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 q
How technology can help save democracy
How technology can help save democracy Jun 15, 2026 32:34 Technology 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
Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars
Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars May 4, 2026 21:50 Cars 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 W
How should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns?
How should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns? Apr 20, 2026 44:28 Large 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
Teens are using AI—but not how we think
Teens are using AI—but not how we think Apr 6, 2026 29:25 A 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 join
Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?
Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI? Mar 23, 2026 28:22 In 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 o

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