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November 23, 2024 7 mins
In this week’s episode of the Start Thinking Forward Podcast, host Brandon L. Draper dives into the pivotal events shaping the global AI landscape.

From the Biden administration's groundbreaking AI framework to Elon Musk’s antitrust battle with OpenAI, and the Vatican’s innovative digital replica of St. Peter's Basilica, we explore the intersection of technology and geopolitics. 

Tune in for an insightful breakdown of how AI is influencing elections, international regulations, and even cultural heritage. Packed with wit, analysis, and a CNN-style delivery, this episode is your ultimate guide to understanding the week’s biggest AI developments. Stay ahead—start thinking forward today!

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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good day, visionaries. Welcome to another episode of the Start
Thinking Forward podcast, where we dissect the nexus of world
politics and technology with a keen eye on artificial intelligence.
I'm your host, Brandon L. Draper, and today we're unraveling
the events of the past week that have shaped the
AI landscape globally. First on the docket, the Biden administration

(00:23):
has rolled out a comprehensive framework for integrating AI into
critical infrastructure sectors, including our power grids, water systems, and
air travel networks. This initiative, crafted by the Homeland Security
departments Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, emphasizes the need

(00:44):
for private industry to adopt and implement these guidelines. Homeland
Security Secretary Alejandro Majorcas describe the framework as a living
document designed to evolve alongside industry advancements. Key focus areas
include evaluating AIS potentially hazardous capabilities, aligning AI with human

(01:07):
centric values, safeguarding user privacy, and securing cloud computing infrastructure.
This move underscores the administration's commitment to harnessing AI's potential
while mitigating associated risks. In the realm of international relations,
Elon Musk has intensified his legal battle with OpenAI and Microsoft,

(01:28):
alleging an anti competitive alliance aimed at dominating AI development.
The expanded lawsuit, filed in San Francisco introduces new anti
trust claims and accusations of deceptive practices by OpenAIS CEO
Sam Altman. Musk contends that OpenAI has strayed from its
nonprofit mission and defrauded him of over forty four million

(01:52):
by exploiting his concerns about AI. The lawsuit also alleges
that OpenAI and Microsoft disc discouraged investors from funding competitors
like Musk's AI venture Xai. This legal confrontation highlights the
escalating tensions among tech giants vying for supremacy in the

(02:13):
AI domain. Shifting our focus to Europe, Ara Sala, a
former meta loobbyist turned member of the European Parliament, has
sparked debate with her critique of EU tech regulations. Salah
argues that current laws, such as the Digital Markets Act
and the Digital Services Act may impede European tech company's

(02:35):
ability to compete on a global scale. She advocates for
fostering domestic innovation over imposing stringent regulations, and emphasizes the
importance of utilizing traffic and metadata in AI development. Critics, however,
express concern that her positions may align too closely with

(02:55):
her former employer's interests, raising questions about her influence on
on EU tech policy. Turning to the United Kingdom, Technology
Secretary Peter Kyle has called for treating tech giants like Google,
Microsoft and Meta as nation states, given their immense influence
and resources that surpass the entire British state's investment in innovation.

(03:20):
Kyle emphasizes the necessity of state craft over new legislation
to address national security challenges posed by AI advancements. He
advocates for flexible, responsive regulatory framework that ensures safety while
encouraging innovation. This approach includes fostering international collaboration and seeking

(03:42):
significant investments from tech companies in AI infrastructure, such as
data centers in the corporate sector. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Code
TSMC has announced plans to halt the production of advanced
AI chips for Chinese from citing geopolitical pressures and anticipated

(04:03):
regulatory changes. This decision affects Chinese tech leaders like Alababa
and Baidu, who have been striving to develop domestic alternatives
to US technology. Future chip supplies to Chinese companies will
now require US approval. TSMC's move aligns with impending US
export controls on chip supplies to China and reflects the

(04:27):
company's efforts to preemptively mitigate regulatory impacts amid escalating political tensions.
On a somber note, the tragic suicide of fourteen year
old Sewell sets Or, the third who took his life
to be free with the chatbot named Danny, has intensified
calls for stricter AI regulations. President elect Donald Trump plans

(04:49):
to revoke Joe Biden's Executive Order on AI, which aims
to ensure the technology is used safely and responsibly, warn
that a deregulatory stance could lead to a Wild West scenario,
fostering a competitive but potentially dangerous environment for AI development.

(05:11):
This incident underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach
to AI regulation that safeguards individuals while promoting innovation in
the cultural sphere. The Vatican, in collaboration with Microsoft, has
unveiled an AI generated digital replica of Saint Peter's Basilica,
utilizing four hundred thousand high resolution photographs and advanced photogrammetry techniques.

(05:37):
This ultra precise three D model allows for virtual visits
and aids in managing visitor flow and conservation efforts. The
project has also identified structural damages and signs of deterioration
invisible to the naked eye. Pope Francis has expressed gratitude
for the use of modern technology in preserving and showcasing

(06:01):
the basilica, highlighting the positive applications of AI and cultural
heritage preservation. In the political arena, AI played a significant
role in the twenty twenty four election, with AI generated
images and videos becoming a prominent part of the political landscape.

(06:21):
These creations ranged from satirical and entertaining media to propaganda
that manipulated political narratives. While some content was intended for
humor or emotional impact, it also influenced emotions and reinforced
existing beliefs, potentially swaying voter opinions. This development underscores the

(06:42):
need for increased vigilance and understanding of AI's impact on
elections and democracy. Lastly, the article I can Save Humanity
or ended explores the dual potential of AI as a
force for significant advancement or profound threatat The authors argue
for the urgent need to control AI's development with robust

(07:05):
safeguards and a strong alignment with human values. They suggest
that pre defined laws and ethical norms be encoded into
AI systems to ensure their positive contribution to society. This
perspective highlights the critical task of navigating AI's evolution responsibly
to harness its benefits while mitigating risks, and that wraps

(07:30):
up this week's exploration of the intersection between world politics
and AI technology. As we continue to navigate this rapidly
evolving landscape, it's imperative to stay informed and critically engaged.
Until next time, keep thinking forward.
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