TechTank

TechTank

Brookings Institution

Episodes 137
Avg. Duration 37m
Activity Moderate
Apple Rating 4.7 (17)
Since Aug 2020
Latest Episode May 2026

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Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
92%
Hosting
feeds.acast.com

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast


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.


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Recent Episodes

S5E42 Maintaining privacy and security with connected cars

May 04, 2026 21m

Cars and trucks are being digitally connected through online sensors, safety devices, and entertainment systems, leading some observers to call vehicles today "smart phones on wheels." These features…

S5E41 How should we approach chatbots' mental health and privacy concerns?

Apr 20, 2026 44m

Large language models are now marketed for more than just efficiency—some companies are encouraging them for more personal use cases, such as health questions or companionship. These uses carry some…

S5E40 Teens are using AI—but not how we think

Apr 06, 2026 29m

A recent survey examined how U.S. teens use and view AI, finding the majority have used chatbots for schoolwork or searching for information. Teens reported varying opinions about how AI…

S5E39 Does the Anthropic–Pentagon feud mean the end of responsible AI?

Mar 23, 2026 28m

In February, Anthropic faced an ultimatum from the Pentagon to provide unrestricted use of its AI models. When the company refused, the defense secretary labeled it as a "supply-chain risk" and soon…

S5E38 Going back to the moon

Mar 09, 2026 35m

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…

S5E37 What to expect from the India AI Impact Summit

Feb 16, 2026 34m

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…

S5E36 Tech outlooks for 2026

Feb 02, 2026 35m

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…

S5E35 Universities tackled digital inclusion—now they are accelerating AI use

Jan 19, 2026 46m

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…

S5E34 Why water is important for data centers

Jan 05, 2026 25m

Data centers are crucial for AI, but with thousands of file servers, they also require large amounts of energy and water. As more facilities are built, it’s important to understand this usage and how…

S5E33 'Navigating Technology and National Security’ with author Justin Sherman

Dec 22, 2025 40m

Many of today’s conversations about AI and emerging technologies are increasingly driven by questions about national security. These conversations are the latest in a longstanding debate over how the…

S5E32 'Wired Wisdom': A conversation with author Eszter Hargittai on older populations

Dec 08, 2025 37m

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…

S5E31 The Age of Extraction: A discussion on Tim Wu's new book

Nov 24, 2025 36m

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…

S5E30 Why data centers are important for AI

Nov 10, 2025 38m

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,…

S5E29 On European digital sovereignty and platform regulation with Marietje Schaake

Oct 20, 2025 32m

Europe created regulatory frameworks, including the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, in attempt to reassert control, but these laws have recently faced backlash from the Trump…

S5E28 Will AI democratize financial services?

Oct 06, 2025 34m

Financial services have long relied on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for a range of duties, from administrative tasks to decision-making, but these uses can have major…

S5E27 FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez talks about the future of the communications landscape

Sep 22, 2025 40m

The media and communications landscapes are in flux as the administration’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to implement its priorities, including around free speech and access to…

S5E26 How the NFL is using technology to improve performance

Sep 08, 2025 22m

Digital technologies and data analytics are increasingly being used to help athletes and coaches better monitor their performance and find areas for improvement. In this episode, Darrell West is…

S5E25 Measuring Black women’s trust in AI

Aug 04, 2025 43m

Some historically marginalized groups, including Black women, have a complex relationship with the scientific community and institutions, yet their concerns and experiences with emerging technologies…

S5E24 Examining Section 230’s impact on Black Americans

Jul 21, 2025 31m

Section 230 has shaped the internet since its passage in 1996 and has had far-reaching implications for marginalized groups, including Black Americans. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee is joined by…

S5E23 Understanding and regulating crypto harms

Jun 30, 2025 45m

Conversations on cryptocurrency have been dominated by the industry and experts, leaving out the public, who will be impacted by Congress’ legislative efforts. In this episode, Nicol Turner Lee is…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does TechTank have?

TechTank has published 137 episodes since August 2020.

Is TechTank still active?

TechTank is currently moderate with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 37m.

How do I contact TechTank for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for TechTank, including email and social media links.

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