AI systems are beginning to act on our behalf — executing tasks, making decisions, and influencing daily life in ways that often escape direct human oversight. What are the consequences of delegating decision-making to systems we don’t fully understand? How do we design AI to enhance human capabilities without sidelining human judgment?In this episode, host Aleksander Mądry welcomes Jonathan Zittrain, Professor at Harvard Law School and Co-Founder of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. They explore the legal, ethical, and societal challenges of living alongside increasingly autonomous AI. Drawing on lessons from the internet’s evolution, Zittrain examines how we can structure responsibility, foster innovation, and build systems that truly serve the public good — all while navigating the profound opportunities and risks of this technological transformation.09:20 - Three eras of internet evolution14:56 - Generative tech and equilibrium challenges20:59 - Generativity vs. closed systems26:36 - The promise and pitfalls of AI assistants32:56 - Privacy, privilege, and AI user rights39:01 - Regulation, self-regulation, and global policy48:28 - Defining AI agents and their real-world impact52:26 - AI’s potential to empower the marginalized1:15:41 - Acceleration, agency, and the future
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1:21:12
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1:21:12
Sendhil Mullainathan: AI and Algorithmic Bias
As AI continues to permeate various aspects of society, its impact on decision-making, bias, and future technological developments is complex. How can we navigate the challenges posed by AI, particularly when it comes to fairness and bias in algorithms? What insights can be drawn from the intersection of economics, computer science, and behavioral studies to guide the responsible development and use of AI?In this episode, Sendhil Mullainathan, a prominent economist and professor, delves into these pressing issues. He shares his journey from computer science to behavioral economics and discusses the role of AI in shaping the future of decision-making and societal structures. Sendhil provides a nuanced view of algorithmic bias, its origins, and the challenges in mitigating it. He also explores the potential and pitfalls of AI in healthcare and policymaking, offering insights into how we can harness AI for the greater good while being mindful of its limitations.0:00 - Start1:51 - Introducing Sendhil14:20 - Algorithmic bias29:20 - Handling Bias41:57 - AI and Decision Making57:01 - AI in our Future1:02:29 - Conclusion and the last question
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1:03:48
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1:03:48
Luis Videgaray: AI Policy Around the World
AI technology is transforming the world, raising crucial questions about governance, regulation, and societal impact. What measures should governments adopt to regulate AI effectively? How can academic institutions contribute to this development? Luis Videgaray is a professor at MIT and the director of the MIT AI Policy for the World Project. Previously, he also served as the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Mexican Government. In this episode, Luis shares his journey and insights on the role of governments in regulating and utilizing AI. He also covers the evolution of AI policy, the geopolitical landscape, and the future of AI regulation. 3:47 - Luis’ time in the government 7:12 - AI in the past 20:19 - Regulation of AI 43:13 - Governments using AI 51:03 - Geopolitics of AI 1:11:31 - Luis at MIT 1:16:50 - Luis’ perspectives on AI 1:25:28 - Conclusion and the last question
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1:27:55
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1:27:55
Anna Makanju: AI and Government
Governments are playing a crucial role in ensuring the safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies, protecting citizens while fostering innovation. What steps can policymakers take to safeguard our future? How can we, as citizens, contribute to the conversation and advocate for beneficial AI practices?Anna Makanju, VP of Global Affairs at OpenAI, has extensive experience in national security and foreign policy roles across the U.S. government, UN, NATO, and Facebook. In this episode, Anna discusses her global tour with Sam Altman, her journey to her current role, and the steps governments can take to ensure a safe AI future.3:18 - Anna and OpenAI’s goals8:23 - Sam’s tour and government's role19:25 - AI and the government38:48 - AI and the military51:25 - Anna’s time in the government55:52 - Geopolitics of AI1:04:28 - AI safety and the future1:14:50 - Conclusion and the last question
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1:16:07
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1:16:07
Reid Hoffman: AI and Human Collaboration
The rapid advancement of AI technology presents both opportunities and challenges. As AI becomes more integrated into various aspects of life, how can companies ensure that these technologies are used innovatively and ethically? What measures can be taken to navigate potential pitfalls and enhance human connections rather than causing harm?Reid Hoffman, Co-founder of Inflection AI, Co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn, and Founding investor and former board member at OpenAI has recently used AI in innovative ways. In this episode, Reid talks about his experience doing an interview of his AI digital twin, his time on the board of OpenAI, and the potential to integrate AI into our own lives in interesting ways.3:11 - Digital twin9:07 - Innovative ways to engage with AI26:05 - Different perspectives on AI28:41 - Reid’s time with OpenAI36:00 - Why Inflection?47:56 - Future of AI1:01:08 Board dynamics1:10:48 - World stage for AI1:39:19 - Conclusion and the last question
Artificial General Intelligence — the type of AI that reaches or even surpasses human capabilities — is an exciting topic. But what is not explored as much is an equally important question: what happens before AGI is here? That is, what should we be doing to prepare?
In Before AGI, I hope to have honest conversations about what are the goals, what are the problems, and what lies ahead as we develop AI.
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