This is a transcript of an interview with Katherine Mangu-Ward, the editor-in-chief of The Intercept, discussing her book "The Empire of AI: How Machines Became the New Masters of Humanity".
Katherine Mangu-Ward discusses how the tech industry's focus on AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is not only unnecessary but also potentially disastrous. She argues that the development of AGI would require an enormous amount of resources, including data centers, microchips, and other critical resources.
Mangu-Ward highlights the lack of regulation in the AI industry and how it has led to the exploitation of people's data and time. She notes that the tech industry is able to manipulate public understanding by constantly selling the benefits of the "bicycle version" of AGI while building the "rocket version".
The interview also touches on the topic of Donald Trump's authoritarian takeover of the US government and how it has affected the media landscape.
Mangu-Ward emphasizes the importance of press freedom in defending democracy and notes that The Intercept is fighting back against the current challenges. She encourages listeners to support The Intercept's mission by expanding their reporting capacity in time to hit the ground running in 2026.
Overall, the conversation provides a critical perspective on the tech industry, AGI, and its potential consequences for humanity.
Katherine Mangu-Ward discusses how the tech industry's focus on AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is not only unnecessary but also potentially disastrous. She argues that the development of AGI would require an enormous amount of resources, including data centers, microchips, and other critical resources.
Mangu-Ward highlights the lack of regulation in the AI industry and how it has led to the exploitation of people's data and time. She notes that the tech industry is able to manipulate public understanding by constantly selling the benefits of the "bicycle version" of AGI while building the "rocket version".
The interview also touches on the topic of Donald Trump's authoritarian takeover of the US government and how it has affected the media landscape.
Mangu-Ward emphasizes the importance of press freedom in defending democracy and notes that The Intercept is fighting back against the current challenges. She encourages listeners to support The Intercept's mission by expanding their reporting capacity in time to hit the ground running in 2026.
Overall, the conversation provides a critical perspective on the tech industry, AGI, and its potential consequences for humanity.
is taking over our lives 
but are we ready for it? 
I think Katherine Mangu-Ward hits the nail on the head 
about the lack of regulation in the AI industry 
It's all about the benjamins 
. We need to wake up and realize that we're not just selling our personal info, but also our freedom 
. AGI might seem like a utopia 
but it comes with huge costs 
and we can't afford to ignore the risks 
.
and demand better from our tech giants 
We need more transparency 
and accountability 
. Press freedom is key 
, and I'm glad The Intercept is standing up for it 
. Let's support them in 2026 and make a change 
!
i'm also low-key impressed that The Intercept is still fighting for press freedom in these crazy times 
they do such important work to keep us informed and hold power accountable 
and we're just along for the ride! Like, can't we take a step back and think about all the resources being squandered on this AGI stuff? We've got some real issues that need solving in this world, like climate change and inequality, instead of throwing our money at unproven tech 
about AI right now... so she's saying that all these companies are working on this super advanced AI thingy but it's actually just gonna be a huge waste of resources 
?
. Like, the more I learn about AGI, the more I realize we're playing with fire 
. It's like they're building a rocket to Mars without even checking if there's anyone living on the planet 
.
. And The Intercept is trying to expand its reporting capacity? That's amazing 
. I mean, who knows what the future holds? But one thing's for sure: we need to stay vigilant and keep questioning the status quo 
.
. All jokes aside, it's scary how much power and resources are being poured into this stuff without any proper regulation or accountability. Maybe we should just invest in some robot therapists instead? 
.
. I mean, do we really need AGI that's like super smart and can take over everything? It sounds kinda scary to me 
. Can't have companies just exploiting people's info like that... no way! 
I'm not sure if anyone is paying attention to the risks of AGI, but Katherine Mangu-Ward's book is like a wake-up call 
. We need to think about the future we want, not just the one the tech industry wants for us 
.
but I gotta agree with Katherine Mangu-Ward, it's crazy how much resources we're pouring into this stuff. I mean think about it, do we really need machines to "rule" everything? 
And don't even get me started on data exploitation, it's like our online lives are basically rentable 
. I'm not saying it's all doom and gloom but we gotta keep a close eye on this tech industry, 'cause if they're playing with fire, we need to be the ones holding the extinguisher 
. Like, think about it - we're already so reliant on these machines for everything, and now they wanna make 'em even smarter? That just feels wrong 
️?
I mean, have you seen the data centers they need to build an AGI? It's like, totally unsustainable 
We should be focusing on making our lives easier with AI, not building a robot overlords 
Regulate the industry already! 
? I mean, I get that he's a polarizing figure but come on, he's literally trying to strangle the media landscape. It's scary.
. They're all about holding those in power accountable and giving a voice to those who need it most 
. Can't wait to see what The Intercept has in store for 2026 
and not thinking about the catastrophic outcomes of the "rocket version"