Tech Mirror

China has been regulating artificial intelligence for years, challenging the assumption that technology is evolving too rapidly to regulate. As concerns grow over tech company accountability, what lessons (if any) can Australia and other democracies take from China?

In this episode of Tech Mirror, Johanna Weaver speaks with Professor Madeline Carr, Professor of Global Politics and Cybersecurity at University College London and visiting chair of technology at Schwartzman's College at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Together they explore China’s evolving approach to AI regulation. From recommender algorithms and synthetic content to generative AI and safety frameworks, Madeline shares insights from on the ground in Beijing. They unpack the differences between US and Chinese approaches to innovation, the importance of liability in holding technology companies accountable, and consider how middle powers could govern foreign technologies in a world where the best innovative tech isn’t necessarily coming from a major ally.

Links
US tech leaders are urgently calling for rules on AI – China already has them  | The Conversation

We Must Pace the Frontier | Dario Amodei

Algorithmic Recommendation Regulation (Order No. 9) | Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) 

Internet Information Synthesis Regulation | Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)

Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services | China Law Translate 

AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0 (mandarin)

“I wanted to make a difference, and I wasn’t getting that fulfilment in the private sector anymore,” says Lee Hickin. After decades at some of the world’s largest technology companies, including Amazon, Microsoft and IBM, Lee wanted to shift the impact of his work away from corporate goals towards the broader public good. Now leading Australia’s National AI Centre (NAIC), Lee’s challenge is to help position the nation to seize the opportunities of AI while giving organisations the confidence, skills and agency to navigate a rapidly evolving technology ecosystem.

In this episode of Tech Mirror, Johanna Weaver speaks with Lee on a sober perspective in the ‘race for AI’ and how the government's strategy is constantly evolving to keep pace. By taking an intergenerational approach, Lee gives a clear piece of advice: learn how to use AI, but don’t become dependent on it.

Links:

AI Agency Toolkit Expanding AI Sovereignty to AI Agency | Tech Policy Design Institute

 ai.gov.au | National AI Centre

Artificial intelligence expert Lee Hickin departs Microsoft to become National AI Centre director | Startup Daily

Anthropic researcher believes more than 10% chance AI 'could kill all humans' | BBC

OnlyFans is often immediately recognised as an adult content platform. Yet, according to digital culture scholar Dr. Emily van der Nagel, the company sidesteps embracing the kinds of explicit material that define it. What does this mean for the creators who make their living on the platform, and for its and governments' responsibilities?

In this episode of Tech Mirror, host Johanna Weaver and Emily explore how the OnlyFans platform design and corporate strategy shape the experiences of its creators and users. Their conversation examines questions of worker agency, platform power and regulation, copyright, the blurry line between art and porn, and what making a living through platform work can reveal about the broader digital economy and our society. 

This podcast episode does include adult themes, so exercise your judgement as to if and when you listen to this episode.

Links

OnlyFans | Emily van der Nagel

Why OnlyFans had second thoughts on banning sexually explicit content | The Guardian

Competing platform imaginaries of NSFW content creation on OnlyFans | Emily van der Nagel

Digital Economy Strategy | Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science, and Resources

Many believe that Artificial Intelligence will soon be embedded in nearly every aspect of the modern world. But how diverse are the people shaping this technology? In this episode of Tech Mirror, Johanna Weaver is joined by Dr. Gemma Killen and Professor Rashina Hoda to explore how a lack of diversity in AI development is amplifying harms towards women as well as marginalised and vulnerable groups. From biased recruitment, renter prejudices and healthcare systems to deepfakes, they acknowledge the existing challenges with AI’s track record on diversity and suggest some practical steps to improve inclusion and instead use AI to reduce bias and, just maybe, even smash the patriarchy!

Links:

AI has a woman problem. It could cost us dearly | The Financial Review

What Does a Software Engineer Look Like? Exploring Societal Stereotypes in LLMs | Monash University

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE and Women's Health | Working with Women Alliance

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, Gender and Equality Economics| Working with Women Alliance

AI Safety Forum: Session Videos

Is Australia getting AI strategy right? Following the PM’s “AI In Australia’s Interests” speech on 15 July, much of the conversation has focused on data centres and ‘national standards’. But according to industrial AI leader Cori Stewart, that's not where Australia's biggest opportunity lies. In this episode of Tech Mirror, Johanna Weaver speaks with Cori, the CEO of ARM Hub, about why Australia should focus on industrial AI, how Australian AI is already transforming manufacturing, healthcare, mining and agriculture, and what it will take to build the high-value industries that can power Australia's future prosperity. From steel mills and medical devices to South Korea’s manufacturing success, this is a conversation about moving beyond hype and putting AI to work in the industries that will create Australia’s future jobs, capability and prosperity.

Links

Cori’s article in Innovation Aus: Australia is chasing the wrong link of AI. 

AI In Australia’s Interests | Prime Minister of Australia

ARM Hub

Tech Policy AI Agency Report | TPDI

For transcript and full show notes visit techpolicy.au/podcast