Responsible Bytes
Responsible Bytes is a podcast about safe and responsible technology, exploring how technological changes affect our world and daily lives. Hosted by Dr Zena Assaad, it features conversations with people working in and around the technology sector. The show unpacks the complexities of our increasingly digital world, considering both present and future implications. It aims to provide insight into what technological advancements mean for society and individuals.
Episodes
Why Human Control Isn't Enough in Military AI with Heidy Khlaaf
In this episode of Responsible Bytes, Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Heidy Khlaaf, Chief AI Scientist at the AI Now Institute, about why military AI systems are far less reliable than their marketing suggests, especially in safety-critical and combat settings. They unpack the gap between “accuracy” as a narrow model metric and real-world performance, explaining how opaque, brittle systems, automation
Unpacking AI Narratives: The Myth of Systems from Nowhere with Eryk Salvaggio
In this episode, Dr. Zena Assaad sits down with Eryk Salvaggio to discuss the narratives surrounding AI, focusing on Eryk's work around the concept of "systems from nowhere" and how industry and policy reports often obscure human responsibility. They also unpack the myths, political implications, and the importance of responsible engagement with AI technology. Links from this episod
The Nuclear Renaissance: Opportunities and Risks in a Changing World with Art Cotterell
In this episode, our host Dr. Zena Assaad sits down with Dr. Art Cotterell, research fellow in nuclear law, to discuss the growing popularity of the concept of a nuclear renaissance. They unpack its implications for energy security, safety standards, space-based data centers, and also explore the intersection of AI and nuclear technology. They also discuss the importance of responsible innovation,
Human Dignity and AI: Insights from the Pope's Encyclical with Lorenn Ruster
In this episode, our host Dr. Zena Assaad is joined by Dr. Lorenn Ruster to chat about Pope Leo XIV's recently released encyclical, Magnifica Humanitis. Focusing on AI and human dignity, we explore how religious perspectives influence AI ethics, the importance of dignity in technology, the implications for responsible AI development and the impacts of military AI on human dignity during times
Are Data Centers Legitimate Military Targets? Legal Insights with Klaudia Klonowska
In this episode, Dr. Zena Assaad interviews Dr. Klaudia Klonowska about the legality of targeting data centers in armed conflict, especially in the context of recent Middle East conflicts. They explore international law, dual-use technology, and the implications for civilian harm and military strategy.The contents of this episode are based on an article written for Just Security by our guest Klaud
Navigating Power Dynamics in AI Regulation with Simon Chesterman
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Simon Chesterman, a law professor at the National University of Singapore, about the shifting power dynamics in AI regulation. They discuss the challenges of regulating fast-moving technology, the perspectives of techno utopians, dystopians, and pragmatists, and the impact of organised users. The conversation also touche
Trust by Design for Military AI with Branka Marijan
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, host Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Branka Marijan, a senior researcher at Project Ploughshares, about the concept of 'trust by design' in military AI. They explore the importance of trust in technology, the interdependence of nations, and the role of middle powers in shaping regulations. The conversation also delves into the balance between
AI Security and Ethics with Yasmin Afina
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, our host Dr Zena Assaad sits down with Dr Yasmin Afina to discuss the Roundtable for AI Security and Ethics (RAISE). The conversation explores the tension between ethics and national security, particularly in the context of implementing responsible AI. It also highlights the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in operationalising ethic
Beyond the Hype: Science Communication in an AI-Driven World with Alison Kershaw
In this episode, our host Dr Zena Assaad is joined by Alison Kershaw, an award winning science communicator. The conversation explores the challenges of science communication in an age of generative AI. Together they unpack the layered marketing behind artificial intelligence and why its promises resonate so widely. From claims about productivity and economic growth to the sweeping narratives that
Responsible by design: An overview of the GC REAIM strategic guidance report with Sofia Romansky
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad interviews Sofia Romansky, an analyst at the Hague Center for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and project coordinator for the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain (GC REAIM). They discuss the complexities of integrating AI into military practices, the challenges of achieving consensus among diverse stakeholders, and t
The Evolution of Human Control in Warfare with Lena Trabucco
In this episode of the Responsible Bites podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Dr. Lena Trabucco about the implications of AI and autonomous systems in military contexts. They explore the concept of human control in warfare, the differences between AI-enabled and traditional weapons systems, and the evolving role of operators. The conversation also touches on the challenges of academic writing, the
Navigating the future of military AI with Jessica Dorsey
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad speaks with Jessica Dorsey, an Assistant Professor of International Law, about the recent CCW GGE on LAWS meeting held in Geneva. They discuss the complexities of defining lethal autonomous weapon systems, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the challenges posed by industry narratives and technical expertise in re
Dignity in Technology with Lorenn Ruster
In this episode of the Responsible Bytes podcast, Dr. Zena Assaad chats with Lorenn Ruster, a responsible AI researcher, to explore the concept of dignity in technology. They discuss the importance of placing dignity at the center of AI systems, the intersection of dignity and human rights, and how entrepreneurship can honor dignity. Lorenn shares insights on the cultural perspectives of dignity,
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
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 proce
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 d
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 iden
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. Mia 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
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 men
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
The future of voice acting in the age of AI with Rhiannon Moushall
In this episode of Responsible Bytes, host Dr. Zena Assaad 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
