In Episode 16 of The AI Arena, host Sean Shecter is joined by Ankura Consulting Senior Managing Directors Chuck Peruchini and John Schrader to examine the rapid rise of lower cost Chinese AI models, and what their growing capabilities could mean for businesses evaluating their usage. This timely discussion explores why an AI model that appears cheaper upfront may ultimately carry significant downstream costs. Sean, Chuck, and John address concerns involving cybersecurity vulnerabilities, data privacy, IP exposure, political bias, software supply-chain transparency, regulatory uncertainty, and the possibility that a model or provider could later become subject to sanctions or other restrictions. They also explain why businesses must look beyond the advertised price of a model and account for the broader costs of data preparation, integration, compliance, monitoring, infrastructure, and oversight. Listen to the full conversation to learn more about the risks of “shadow AI,” including employees using unapproved tools and inadvertently exposing sensitive company information.

The rapid rise of AI in our society has led to questions about the Federal and State governments’ role in providing legislation to get ahead of pressing issues affecting Americans regarding safety, job loss, and environmental impact. In Episode 15 of The AI Arena, our host Sean leads a timely conversation with The Alliance for Secure AI’s Policy Director Riki Parikh and Communications Director Peyton Hornberger about the pressing need to understand what is rising from the grassroots level on AI-related concerns when trying to implement government regulation. The Alliance is a nonprofit organization that educates the public about the implications of advanced AI, and works to build bipartisan support for enforceable safeguards that make sure the technology progresses in a safe and secure manner. Riki and Peyton discuss the Trump Administration’s recent release of a National AI Legislative Framework which attempts to address the most pressing policy topics that AI presents, such as protecting children, strengthening communities, respecting IP rights, preventing censorship, and developing an AI-ready workforce. Skate to the puck alongside Riki and Peyton, as they provide our listeners with key insights on how data centers being built rapidly have been impacting electricity bills, and the daunting prospect college graduates today are facing when entering the workforce. Visit secureainow.org to access the educational resources that The Alliance is working on and contribute your own thoughts on responsible AI usage and development.

The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI recently announced a groundbreaking partnership that promises to redefine the future of digital storytelling. In our newest episode of The AI Arena, our host Sean is joined by National Co-Chair of Lewis Brisbois’ Entertainment, Media & Sports practice Steven Beer, who breaks down this new three-year agreement by Disney to become the first major content licensing partner on Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative video platform. Sean and Steven discuss how this deal will allow fans to generate and share AI-powered social videos and images featuring more than 200 iconic characters from Disney’s worlds, including Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. In light of Tilly Norwood gaining notoriety for becoming an AI-generated actress for hire, Steven also discusses what this technological trend signifies for creativity, fandom, and the evolving relationship between Hollywood and AI. This is a can’t-miss episode for content creators and those invested in a shared commitment to responsible, human-centered artificial intelligence that protects creators’ rights and user safety.