Discoveries, defense, and direction.

Wednesday 1 October, 2025

In this episode, Ross Monaghan and Bonnie Murthy discuss the latest developments in AI, focusing on scientific discovery, defense, and the future direction of technology. They explore the risks and benefits of AI in government, education, science, and creative industries, and reflect on the importance of human oversight and connection in an increasingly automated world.

Topics Covered:

• AI and data security in government and public services
• Deepfake apps and the need for regulation in schools
• Legislation on AI chatbots in mental health (Illinois)
• FTC inquiry into AI companion chatbots and consumer safety
• US government’s secure AI platform for federal employees
• XAI’s government contracts and massive funding round
• OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank’s $400B Stargate project
• Australia’s rapid AI adoption in business
• AI-driven scientific discovery at Berkeley Lab and Molecular Foundry
• Quantum AI data centers and vertical integration
• The new AI arms race: military, compute, and sovereign models
• Meta’s “Vibes” feed for AI-generated video and the impact on creators
• Copyright, compensation, and the future of creative work
• Reflections on AI tools for productivity and education

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Is AI data really secure?01:18 – Risks of automating science: black box discoveries02:17 – Defense and military AI: PSYOPs and hidden threats03:32 – Training AI locally to avoid foreign tech dependency04:52 – Episode overview: Discoveries, Defense, and Direction05:52 – HypeCloud AI News: Deepfake apps in UK schools07:06 – Australia’s lead in AI regulation08:32 – Illinois bans AI chatbots in mental health therapy10:47 – FTC inquiry into AI companion chatbots12:24 – US government’s secure AI platform (USAI)15:21 – XAI’s government deal and $200B valuation18:17 – OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank’s $400B Stargate project20:50 – Australia’s rapid AI adoption in business23:21 – Scientific discovery: AI, robotics, and automation at Berkeley Lab27:37 – Quantum chips, quantum AI, and the need for innovation29:57 – Environmental impact and efficiency of AI-driven science32:01 – Risks of black box science and loss of “happy accidents”34:22 – The real power of AI: societal benefit vs. manipulation36:27 – Defense: AI as a new arms race and military power39:18 – Sovereign AI models and global policy42:01 – Data security and the importance of local infrastructure44:25 – Quantum AI data centers and vertical integration48:00 – Meta’s “Vibes” feed for AI-generated video50:47 – Impact of AI on creative professionals and copyright54:28 – The need for government action on AI taxation and compensation58:12 – What AI services are the hosts loving this week?59:39 – Bonnie’s Yosemite trip and digital detox61:06 – Ross on Whisper Flow for student feedback64:48 – The importance of human oversight in AI66:41 – AI in education and learning management systems69:08 – Outro: Contact info and closing thoughts