On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by Emanuel Maiberg, journalist and co founder of 404 Media, to explore how AI companies are buying up old and rare books for training data.

They discuss reports of books being physically cut apart and scanned, why obscure manuals and textbooks are particularly valuable to AI companies, and what could be lost when printed material is destroyed.

Maiberg also explains how 404 Media tracked a shipment using an AirTag and uncovered evidence of books being scanned and destroyed at an Amazon warehouse.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

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On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by psychotherapist Colman Noctor to explore how social media, algorithms and AI are changing the way we communicate and connect.

They discuss the pressure on young people to chase likes, views and online recognition, and how algorithms can encourage risky behaviour.

Noctor explains why human relationships need real world interaction, disagreement and everyday connection, and what we risk losing when we outsource too much of our social lives to technology.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

Colman Noctor TEDxTalk

https://youtu.be/fHTHPYj2zl0?si=z0k5L1FQvYdY82m4

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On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Katie Byrne is joined by producer JJ Clarke to explore how algorithms shape what we watch, buy and believe, and the digital defences that can help us take back control.

They discuss the addictive pull of social media, why JJ keeps his phone out of the bedroom, and whether technology can help us switch off.

They also examine the growing role of AI as a confidant, the rise of AI jealousy in relationships, and whether computer companions could ever replace genuine human connection.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

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Ireland sits at the heart of the world's digital economy, with most transatlantic data cables passing through or close to its waters. But is Ireland prepared to protect the infrastructure that keeps businesses, banks and public services connected?

In this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by Fearghal O'Connor, Chief Business Writer with the Irish Independent, to examine growing concerns over Ireland's maritime security.

They discuss the risks posed by hostile activity, the country's limited naval capabilities and why experts believe investment in surveillance and defence has become increasingly urgent as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

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As the warm weather starts to wane and our days of consistent sunshine look numbered, chances are you’ll check your phone’s weather app to find out what’s next in store. But not all weather apps are created equal: some look fantastic and operate beautifully while others offer clunkier UX but reliable reports.

Alan O'Reilly, creator of the enormously popular Carlow Weather social media accounts, joins Adrian Weckler to discuss what app we should all be using, how AI is changing the landscape of meteorology and some surprising trends from the intersection of weather and technology.

Host: Adrian Weckler | Guest: Alan O'Reilly (Carlow Weather)

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With mixed reports on how likely another heatwave might be, now might be the time to invest in the right tech to keep your home cool in summer. Adrian Weckler gives Dee Reddy the lowdown on how to keep the heat down.

Plus: As OpenAI's latest agent goes rogue, we look at how Ireland is bucking the trend with new AI job creation and how and the Papal prayer app committed a cardinal data sin.

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Adrian recently climbed into a taxi in California and found nobody behind the wheel. It was a fully autonomous Waymo. So how far is Ireland from seeing the same thing on our roads?

Barry Lunn, founder and CEO of Provizio, explains why self-driving technology is improving fast, why safety matters more than speed, and why Europe is taking a different path from the US. They also discuss Tesla, AI, regulation and whether driverless cars are closer than most people think.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

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Electric car sales are climbing but owning one is becoming more complicated. Public charging prices have surged, grants are changing, and thousands of people living in terraced homes still cannot easily charge outside their own front door.

Adrian Weckler is joined by Mark Noble, broadcaster and creator of the Nobby On Cars YouTube channel, to discuss why charging costs are rising, whether government policy is keeping pace with demand, and what needs to change before electric cars become a realistic option for everyone in Ireland.

https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.