Drs. Heather Roff and Peter Asaro, two experts in autonomous weapons, talk about their work to understand and define the role of autonomous weapons, the problems with autonomous weapons, and why the ethical issues surrounding autonomous weapons are so much more complicated than other AI systems.
Claire Boine discusses how AI companion apps can foster attachment and dependency through design and freemium models. The episode examines privacy, risks for children and teens, legal gaps in the EU and US, and policy approaches to social harms.
Michael Toscano discusses family-centered AI policy, including AI companions, sexualized chatbots, self-harm risks, schools, and smartphone use. He argues that governance should hold technology accountable to families and children’s development.
Anthony Aguirre of the Future of Life Institute discusses A Better Path for AI, arguing against races to replace people and for purpose-built AI tools with human control, guardrails, accountability, and international cooperation.