AI Future Beyond Surveillance Model

In this episode, Claudia Nemat, Deutsche Telekom Board Member for Technology & Innovation, sits down with Meredith Whittaker, president of the non-profit Signal Foundation and an advocate for privacy and human rights in technology. They talk about the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and data privacy, where Meredith shares her concerns about the increasing monopolization of data and the inherent risks posed by large-scale AI models reliant on massive data collection. 

They discuss the need to address the root cause of AI-related harms, specifically the pervasive surveillance business model. And they explore the potential for developing more democratic, human-centered AI systems and independent technologies, noting the importance of regulatory measures such as the EU's Digital Markets Act or the FTC's Model Disgorgement Remedy. Meredith emphasizes the need for innovation beyond surveillance advertising to create new business models and privacy protections and makes a strong call to action for tech professionals to remain curious, question data use, and consider the broader social, political, and economic implications of their work.