In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive into the complex world of AI, discussing whether AI has lived up to its promises or turned out to be a disappointment. They explore the rise of decision-making AI, also known as agentive AI, and debate the possibility of a privacy-respecting smart city. The conversation extends to the significant investments required for AI infrastructure, including data centers and power grids, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI’s integration into everyday life.
Zach and Elizabeth also touch on the practical steps communities can take to push back against invasive technologies. They critique current smart city initiatives and discuss the implications of AI on personal privacy, especially in the context of government and corporate surveillance. The episode wraps up with a look at how new AI tools are affecting productivity and the controversial role of facial recognition technology.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that blends technical insights with a strong emphasis on protecting individual liberties in the face of advancing technology.
Zach Varnell
Zach Varnell is a cybersecurity expert and advocate for privacy and individual liberty. He is a founding member of Banish Big Brother, a nonprofit dedicated to combating invasive surveillance. His insights have been featured in publications like Infosecurity Magazine, Threatpost, ZDNET, and the Washington Examiner.