TechTank

Hosted by Brookings Institution

Technology News Politics

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Episodes

138

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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. Sign up to receive the TechTank newsletter for more research and analysis from the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202632 min

How technology can help save democracy

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 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.

May 4, 202621 min

Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars

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 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.

April 20, 202644 min

How should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns?

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 and what else we need to know to best address various harms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 6, 202629 min

Teens are using AI—but not how we think

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 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.

March 23, 202628 min

Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?

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 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.

March 9, 202635 min

Going back to the moon

The 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.

February 16, 202634 min

What to expect from the India AI Impact Summit

India will host the latest in a series of global AI summits this month, marking the first of these convenings to take place in the Global South. The event will feature keynotes, panels, and an expo of deployable AI applications—all with a focus on impact. In this episode, guest host Brooke Tanner is joined by Brookings scholars Elham Tabassi and Cameron Kerry to discuss their expectations for the summit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 2, 202635 min

Tech outlooks for 2026

From advances in generative AI to crackdowns on kids' use of social media, various discussions around technology are likely to continue or expand in 2026. This includes questions about how states and the federal government might regulate these technologies and what areas will be at the forefront of legislation. In this episode, co-hosts Darrell West and Nicol Turner Lee share their thoughts on what's ahead for tech in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 19, 202646 min

Universities tackled digital inclusion—now they are accelerating AI use

Some surveys show the majority of college students are using AI for academics, and several institutions are also embracing the technology, looking for the best ways to make the technology accessible and understandable for all. In this episode, co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by Lev Gonick to discuss these efforts and how they connect to prior work around digital inclusion.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 5, 202625 min

Why water is important for data centers

Data centers are crucial for AI, but with thousands of file servers, they also require large amounts of energy and water. As more facilities are built, it’s important to understand this usage and how it might affect surrounding communities. In this episode, co-host Darrell West is joined by Joseph Kane to discuss how data centers use water and the policy questions surrounding these resources.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.