TechTank
Brookings Institution
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 28min
Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?
Valerie Wirtschafter, Brookings fellow on AI and democratic resilience, and Stephanie Pell, Brookings cyber and national security law expert, discuss the Anthropic–Pentagon clash. They cover the refusal to permit lethal autonomous use, legal fights over supply-chain risk, surveillance and de-anonymization concerns, effects on companies doing government work, and what Congress might do next.
Mar 9, 2026 • 36min
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.
Feb 16, 2026 • 34min
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.
Feb 2, 2026 • 36min
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.
Jan 19, 2026 • 47min
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.
Jan 5, 2026 • 25min
Why water is important for data centers
Joseph Kane, a Fellow at the Brookings Metro Program, delves into the critical intersection of data centers and water resources. He outlines how these tech facilities use from 300,000 to 5 million gallons of water daily for cooling, which poses significant challenges for communities. Kane discusses innovative cooling technologies that reduce water use, the need for regional planning, and the importance of transparency in water demands. He emphasizes the urgency of investing in infrastructure and aligning water policies with climate adaptation.
Dec 22, 2025 • 40min
'Navigating Technology and National Security’ with author Justin Sherman
Justin Sherman, founder of Global Cyber Strategies and author of 'Navigating Technology and National Security,' dives into how national security influences technology regulation. He discusses historical patterns in tech security policies, like export controls and investment screening. Justin emphasizes the necessity of a national security toolkit to combat intertwined threats and suggests that stronger privacy laws can enhance security. He also highlights risks from European data brokers and offers practical steps for businesses to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes.
Dec 8, 2025 • 37min
'Wired Wisdom': A conversation with author Eszter Hargittai on older populations
As the internet emerged, so did stereotypes about older people's use of it. Yet research has countered some of these common beliefs and led to greater understanding of these generations' online activity. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee speaks with Eszter Hargittai, the co-author of "Wired Wisdom: How to Age Better Online," about these findings and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 24, 2025 • 37min
The Age of Extraction: A discussion on Tim Wu's new book
Marketplaces look different in the digital age and are controlled by a few large companies with immense economic and cultural power. Co-host Nicol Turner Lee is joined by legal scholar and tech expert, Tim Wu, to discuss his new book, “The Age of Extraction” and the future of these platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 10, 2025 • 39min
Why data centers are important for AI
AI is the transformative technology of our time, yet undergirding the growing use of AI is the need for state-of-the-art data centers that host the file servers and networking equipment that store, process, and analyze information. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee and Darrell West discuss what data centers are, their number and distribution, barriers to development, and ways to overcome those challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
