Episode Details

With TikTok in the hands of 170 million Americans, cybersecurity expert Amy Zegart says it’s time to talk about consequences. Foreign access to all that data on so many Americans is a national security threat, she asserts. For those as concerned as she, Zegart has good news and bad. The government has gotten better at fighting cyberthreats, but artificial intelligence is making things very complicated, very fast. The US needs to adapt quickly to keep pace, Zegart tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Amy Zegart's Stanford Profile
• Hoover Institution Profile: Website
• Ep.20 How Vulnerable Are We to Cyber Attacks? (Amy’s previous episode on The Future of Everything)

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction 

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Amy Zegart, a cybersecurity expert from Stanford University.

(00:02:37) Government and Cybersecurity Speeds

How AI has changed the pace at which both government and cyber attackers operate, and the evolving dynamics of cybersecurity efforts.

(00:04:12) Corporate Cybersecurity

The unexpected role of the SEC in regulating corporate cybersecurity efforts and how the cyber attack surface has expanded beyond traditional big industries

(00:07:30) Global Cyber Threats and Preparedness

Insights into the strategic use of cyber operations by other countries, and the multifaceted nature of international cyber relations.

(00:09:13) Cyber Dynamics in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The cyber aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its implications for global cybersecurity strategies.

(00:11:35) Misinformation and Disinformation Dynamics

The difference between misinformation and disinformation, their impacts on society and the challenges in combating them.

(00:15:04) TikTok and National Security

Risks associated with TikTok as a platform controlled by Chinese interests, discussing data privacy and potential for foreign influence.

(00:20:11) Corporate Power in AI and National Security

The role of corporations in national security through their control over AI, and the challenges this poses for regulation and innovation.

(00:22:47) Learning from Cybersecurity to Manage AI Risks

Lessons from cybersecurity that could help manage emerging AI risks, highlighting the need for developing independent AI research capacities.

(00:26:44) European Regulation and Global AI Safety

The European approach to AI regulation and data protection, advocatin