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We tried to make a positive-news-only episode of Crashed and ended up talking about climate change, drilling in the North Sea, the collapse of societal norms, and a lot about a receipt printer for reasons only co-presenter Chris Stokel-Walker knows. Co-presenter Alex Hudson and Chris celebrate Crashed's first birthday with a look at how tech has already made life better and how it might be about to in the years and decades to come. Keywords: technology, future, green energy, medical tech, quantum computing, AI, innovation, podcast anniversary Key topics Celebration of the podcast's one-year anniversaryAdvancements in green energy and battery techMedical innovations like AI in cancer detectionQuantum computing and brain interface breakthroughsThe politics of energy and climate changeFuture predictions for technology and societyTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Beatrice Fihn helped pioneer efforts to achieve a treaty-based ban on nuclear weapons. She's now turned her attention to the use of AI in warfare. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss with her how AI is already being used on the battlefield, the parallels with nuclear disarmament and just how much the Geneva Convention stands up to scrutiny. The documentary discussed in the episode, Will We Let AI Kill People, can be watched in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLIT00ZHgYE Elsewhere in the episode, we talk about MI5's renewed focus on AI, Mia Goth's AI deepfake issue, and what's the point of Apple's HomeView? keywords: AI warfare, international regulation, autonomous weapons, human control, global coalition, AI ethics, nuclear analogy, treaty negotiationsAI safety, deepfakes, MI5, cybersecurity, biological weapons, AI regulation, tech ethics, AI threats, AI deepfake, AI governance key topics MI5's AI Threat Assessment Centre (AI TAC)AI in warfare and automated weaponsInternational regulation and treatiesThe importance of human control over AI weaponsThe role of global coalitions and civil societyLessons from nuclear and chemical weapons regulationThe potential and risks of AI in military applicationsDeepfake incidents involving Mia GothRisks of AI in biological weapon synthesisRegulation and safety of AI systemsThe AI arms race among global intelligence agenciesThe challenge of verifying AI safety and honestyThe impact of AI on national security and global stabilityTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***Trigger warning: difficult discussions about sexual predators and child abuse take place in this episode.*** The TikTok farlands are what media studies professor Jessica Maddox calls “the end of the internet where things get weird. You’ve left the mainstream and taken a wrong turn.” This wrong turn is regularly just a weird, glitchy nightmare of surreal AI but there is a darker piece to this puzzle. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker talk to investigative journalist Katherine Denkinson about a Prospect investigation about the darker corners of TikTok. Also in the episode, what price with ASOS's hack have on the brand? And why on either are digital price panels having a moment? Read Kat's piece here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/internet/telecoms/social-media/75143/they-trade-child-sex-abuse-material.-they-find-each-other-on-tiktok Go to Kat's homepage: https://kdenkwrites.com/ To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris explore the chaotic intersection of AI, military technology, and the future of media and society, sharing insights from recent research and personal anecdotes. keywords: AI, military tech, quantum computing, media, society, innovation, future trends key topics AI and military technologyQuantum computing advancementsMedia consumption and long-running seriesThe economics of hardware and AI infrastructureThe social implications of technological changeTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crashed is celebrating its 50th episode, which is silly. Also silly is choosing to celebrate it by trying to fit 50 things you need to know about AI in a single episode. But we did it. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of Crashed and making it into the ridiculous thing it has become. If you want cake, email us and we'll try to send you some. In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments and misconceptions in AI, from superintelligence to AI regulation, water usage, and the future of AI technology. Keywords: AI, superintelligence, AI regulation, water usage, AI ethics, AI models, AI impact, AI safety, future of AI Key topics What Donald Trump means by superintelligence and its implicationsThe reality of superintelligence and its development pathAI safety concerns and containment issuesThe impact of AI on water and energy consumptionRegulatory efforts and international cooperation on AI safetyThe influence of capitalism and geopolitics on AI developmentThe role of open source and corporate AI modelsThe bias and ethical challenges in AI systemsThe potential of AI to reduce conspiracy beliefs and improve productivityThe future of humanoid robots and AI integrationTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Q&A episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the complex and often alarming intersections of AI, government influence, privacy, technological innovation, and much more besides. They discuss recent developments, historical parallels, and the future implications of AI and tech in society. Keywords: AI, government influence, privacy, technology, innovation, regulation, societal impact, future of AI, surveillance, global cooperation Key topics: AI influence on government decision-making, AI and its historical parallels with the Manhattan Project and financial crises, the role of lobbying and regulation in AI development, privacy concerns with facial recognition and surveillance, global cooperation and AI governance, the impact of AI on jobs and society To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chayn founder and CEO Hera Hussain joins Alex Hudson and guest presenter Dr Carolina Are to discuss the complex issues surrounding image-based abuse, consent, and digital safety, especially in conservative cultures and diaspora communities. She highlights the importance of nuanced policies, community impact, and technological solutions. Also in the episode, have we finally reached late-stage algorithm? And what would it take for the presenters to start dating an LLM?  Read Chayn’s report: https://reports.chayn.co/  Follow Carolina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloggeronpole Keywords: image-based abuse, consent, digital safety, Hera Hussain, social media, privacy, gender-based violence, tech policy, Pakistan, social media, algorithms, regulation, aura battles, extremism, digital literacy To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex Hudson and Taylor Lorenz explore the evolving landscape of influence, AI, and digital regulation, discussing the impact of technology on society, politics, and media. They delve into the future of AI, the role of influencers, and the challenges of regulation in a rapidly changing digital world. Follow Taylor Lorenz's Power User on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/taylor-lorenzs-power-user/id1733535260 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iganPXXEoTDB9lIQzY7Fh?si=85fed5daa4ad42e9 Or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/taylorlorenz keywords AI, influencers, digital regulation, social media, technology, politics, media, privacy, future of AI, influence economy key topics The influence economy and its evolutionThe role of AI in everyday life and workChallenges of regulation and liability in AI systemsThe changing landscape of social media and influenceThe impact of legislation on free speech and digital contentThe rise of agentic AI and its implicationsThe concept of fame in the digital eraThe intersection of technology, privacy, and ethics To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments in AI, social media trends, and the future of warfare, delving into the ethical, societal, and technological implications of these rapid changes. Keywords AI, social media, warfare, technology, ethics, future of work, TikTok, Vine, Ukraine, autonomous weapons Key topics AI in warfare and defense The resurgence of short-form video platforms like Vine and Divine Social media responsibility and offline consequences The development and risks of autonomous weapons The impact of AI training on jobs and society Takeaways Ukraine has become a key AI battlefield, with data shaping modern warfare. Vine's return signals a shift towards less algorithm-driven, more authentic content. Social media platforms face complex responsibilities for offline actions. AI's role in training and replacing jobs raises ethical and economic questions. The development of autonomous weapons presents profound moral and strategic challenges. To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Bloomberg columnist Dave Lee joins hosts Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to discuss if the computer keyboard is on its last legs. Only around half of users see it as a primary device and 20% don't use it at all. What's the future of interfaces, and will typing be entirely unnecessary? We explore the future of interfaces, the role of writing and AI, and the cultural implications of technological change. They debate the significance of the keyboard, voice interfaces, and the enduring value of human storytelling. Find Dave's vibe-coded website: https://www.davelee.me/ keywords future of interfaces, AI and writing, voice technology, keyboard vs voice, storytelling, tech culture, AI tools, communication evolution key topics The evolution of internet access and device usageThe potential decline of the keyboard in favour of voice and AR interfacesThe importance of writing as a thinking tool and its cultural valueThe role of AI in writing, communication, and creative processesThe social and ethical considerations of relying on AI and voice techThe significance of human character and storytelling in a digital ageThe impact of AI on journalism, music, and other creative fieldsFuture trends in human-computer interaction and interface designTo support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quantum is about to change the world, so we’re told. It will make computers exponentially faster. It will challenge the cryptographic foundations that underpin security. It has the potential to fundamentally reshape the world, similar to the shift from before the web to after.  According to Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger of cat-owning/not-owning fame, quantum mechanics requires an entire departure from classical lines of thought: In this episode, Dr Jess Wade, of Imperial College London, joins presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker to explain the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, its potential to revolutionise technology, and how the UK is positioning itself in the global quantum race. She demystifies complex concepts like quantum entanglement and discusses the societal impact of quantum innovations. Also in the programme, why is the cloud seemingly moving to Slough? And what happens now lovebots are banned? To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker discuss "The UK’s first TikTok prime minister", and if Andy Burnham really is channelling New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as he hit social media. Other ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood talking about small boat crossings, or AI minister Kanishka Narayan talking about Backing British while eating a strawberry, are following suit.  Even Chancellor John Healey was reviewing pork scratchings with Burnham in a pub in a social video. Why? What's the grand plan here? And what are the 13 new social media hires going to do? Alongside that in this episode, we explore the latest social media trends, political strategies, and bizarre news stories that highlight how digital culture is shaping society. From TikTok's integration with Disney to political social media tactics, we cover it all. keywords social media, TikTok, politics, social media trends, viral stories, digital culture, political strategy, social media influence, bizarre news, online activism key topics TikTok's partnership with Disney and major brandsThe use of social media by politicians for direct engagementThe impact of viral stories and bizarre news on public discourseReddit's role in AI training data and search resultsControversies involving political figures and social media abuse To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lampost with facial-recognition capability has been announced. Why? We don't know. But we'll try and find out. In this episode, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker explore the latest developments in surveillance technology, AI mishaps, and the implications for privacy and civil liberties. Our guest, Professor Pete Fussey, shares insights from his extensive research on surveillance systems, facial recognition, and the societal impacts of these technologies. Also, the tech angle on the Clicky Ponting cricket cheating scandal, OpenAI admits to more hacking, and former eBay employees have to pay millions for a campaign of abuse and intimidation against a couple who wrote less-than-complimentary things about them. Follow Pete on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-fussey Key topics: The expansion of surveillance infrastructure like CCTV and lamp postsAI errors and privacy leaks in chatbots like Claude and ChatGPTDemographic biases in facial recognition technologyThe impact of surveillance on marginalized communitiesRegulatory challenges and the need for transparency in surveillance techThe societal effects of surveillance and privacy erosionThe role of human rights law in regulating surveillanceThe influence of political ideologies on surveillance policies To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a week of a new prime minister, an OpenAI agentic “hack” and France banning social media for under-15s, presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker have a lot to get through. They’re joined by investigative journalist Ben Smoke, who has spent the last 18 months investigating alleged corruption in AI policy and the Labour government.  This episode delves into the transparency, conflicts of interest, and societal impact of current AI strategies. And talks about Fast and the Furious as an academic pursuit. Subscribe to Ben's Substack: https://wefightthegoodfight.substack.com/ Or follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bencsmoke/?hl=en Keywords: AI policy, UK government, industry influence, transparency, AI growth zones, AI minister, political accountability, tech industry, public interest, AI regulation Key topics: UK AI policy and government restructuring; Influence of tech industry and vested interests; transparency and conflicts of interest in AI policymaking; AI growth zones and local economic impact; Role of the AI minister and cabinet dynamics To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta is having a moment, laying off 10% of its staff with the help, it's alleged, of AI while maintaining a 40% profit margin. In this episode, we explore the latest developments in Instagram shadowbanning, how Kylie Jenner's Meta Glasses partnership could cause problems, what the Muse Image and NameTag controversies say about Zuckerberg's mindset. social media, and does what copyright is left in the age of AI. Presenters Alex Hudson and Chris Stokel-Walker are joined by academic, campaigner and activist Dr Carolina Are. We discuss shadow banning, AI-generated content, Meta's controversial features, and the future of digital rights. Also, why is Netflix trying to become YouTube? And why did IBM's share price tank? Read Dr Carolina's work: https://bloggeronpole.com/ To support, go to https://bit.ly/CrashedPodcast or search Crashed podcast Follow: Alex: www.instagram.com/alexhuds / www.tiktok.com/@alexhuds Chris: www.instagram.com/cstokelwalker / www.tiktok.com/@st0kel Spotify: https://bit.ly/CrashedSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4qkgmmV RSS: https://bit.ly/CrashedRSS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.