
Welcome to the Responsible Bytes podcast, where we talk about all things safe and responsible technology.
Technology is changing our world and the way we live in it. In this podcast we explore what those changes look like and what they mean for our present and our future. Listen in as I chat to people working in and around the technology sector, unpacking our increasingly complex and evolving digital world.
Listen on Spotify - Apple Podcasts or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
You can also watch the episodes on our YouTube channel.
Check out the latest episodes below.
Episodes
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Navigating the Tech Landscape with Tracey Spicer
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad and Tracey Spicer AM discuss the intersection of technology and society, focusing on the implications of tech oligarchs' influence on politics, the need for regulation in AI, and the challenges of gender bias in technology. They explore the responsibilities of social media platforms, the importance of critical thinking, and the necessity of guardrails for emerging technologies. The conversation also touches on the value of data, the generational divide in technology engagement, and the ongoing struggle for equity and fairness in the tech industry.
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The Paradox of Responsible Nuclear Behavior with Luba Zatsepina
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Dr. Luba Zatsepina about nuclear deterrence, responsible nuclear behavior, and the implications of artificial intelligence in the context of nuclear security. They explore the psychological aspects of deterrence, cultural differences in understanding nuclear policy, and the challenges posed by AI in decision-making processes. The conversation also touches on the current geopolitical climate, the evolution of nuclear deterrence, and the importance of transparency and critical engagement with technology.
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Lawful by Design: Embedding Responsibility in Military Technology with Damian Copeland
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad interviews Dr. Damian Copeland, director at Article 36 Legal, discussing the intersection of military technology, legal compliance, and the implications of AI and autonomy in warfare. They explore the legal review process for weapons systems, the challenges posed by AI, and the importance of embedding legal considerations into the design of military technologies. The conversation also touches on accountability, the role of human factors, and the upcoming launch of the Lawful by Design initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law from the outset of technology development.
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Beyond the Mirror: AI, Social Media, and the Future of Expression with Nikki Chowdhury
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Nikki Chowdhury about the intersection of fashion and technology, particularly focusing on the role of AI in creativity and the implications of homogenisation in design. They discuss the impact of algorithms on individuality, the changing landscape of modeling due to AI, and the influence of social media on personal identity. The conversation emphasises the need for education around technology and the importance of navigating the 'walled garden' of social media, ultimately advocating for decentralised platforms as a more egalitarian alternative.
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Navigating national security in the tech era with Miah Hammond-Errey
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey about the intricate relationship between technology and national security. They explore how technology impacts national security, the shifting political support of tech companies, the role of AI in shaping narratives, and the challenges of information overload. The conversation also delves into the geopolitical tensions surrounding technology, the balance between regulation and innovation, and the importance of human connection in diplomacy.
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Is technological progress always good? with Ariel Conn
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad engages with technology and global risks expert Ariel Conn to explore the complex relationship between technological progress and human well-being. They challenge the narrative that technological advancement is inherently positive, contrasting it with the hunter-gatherer lifestyle as a potential lens for understanding stress and mental health in modern society.
The conversation covers the balance between innovation and caution, with both experts reflecting on how modern technology impacts our lives. They also delve into broader topics such as beliefs about extraterrestrial life, the historical shift from matrifocal to patriarchal societies, and how societal values shape our perceptions of various professions. The discussion touches on the complexities of human decision-making, the influence of consumerism, and the need to understand our past in order to build a better future.
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Navigating the legal landscape of AI in warfare with Nehal Bhuta
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad sits down with Professor Nehal Bhuta to explore the legal implications of autonomous and AI-enabled weapon systems. They dive deep into the principles of distinction and proportionality in warfare, examining how AI in warfare challenges traditional international humanitarian law. The conversation highlights the risks associated with AI in target identification, as well as the fragility of international legal systems in addressing these emerging technologies.
As autonomous weapons and AI military technology continue to evolve, Dr. Assaad and Professor Bhuta discuss the legal challenges of ensuring accountability and responsibility in their design and use. They stress the importance of embedding legality in technology design to ensure responsible engagement with military technology in the future. -
The future of voice acting in the age of AI with Rhiannon Moushall
In this episode of Responsible Bytes, host Dr. Zena Assad speaks with voice actor Rhiannon Moushall about the evolving landscape of voice acting in the age of AI. They discuss the impact of AI on the industry, the importance of the human element in voice acting, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content. Rhiannon shares her experiences and insights on cultural representation, consent, and the challenges posed by AI cloning.