What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the...
Every Friday and Sunday, Slate’s popular daily news podcast What Next brings you TBD, a clear-eyed look into the future. From fake news to fake meat, algorithms to augmented reality, Lizzie O’Leary is your guide to the tech industry and the world it’s creating for us to live in.
501
How the Crisis Could Embolden Big Tech
While much of the economy suffers fallout from the coronavirus, the tech giants see an opportunity.
16 min
502
Can We Really Make a Safe Vaccine in 18 Months?
How fast is too fast when it comes to finding the fix for COVID-19?
20 min
503
Can the U.S. Really Track the Coronavirus?
Widespread contact tracing will be critical for preventing a resurgence of the coronavirus.
20 min
504
The Limits of Coronavirus Predictions
Can mathematical models chart the course of this pandemic?
16 min
505
Risking Your Life for $8.71
While much of the country shelters indoors, Instacart workers have found themselves on the front lines of COVID-19. Who’s keeping them safe?
18 min
506
Where Are All the Tests?
Here’s why America isn’t ready for widespread testing.
22 min
507
Big Tech Eyes the Pandemic
Silicon Valley’s biggest players have been trying to break into health care for years. The coronavirus may provide an opportunity.
20 min
508
What If They Close All the Schools?
As the coronavirus spreads across the country, many schools are considering moving their classes online. For many, that’s not a realistic option.
15 min
509
Did the Internet Doom a Pregnancy?
The real-life cost of online misinformation.
19 min
510
Did Money Corrupt an A.I. Utopia?
OpenAI was supposed to democratize the race to build artificial intelligence. Then profits got in the way.
17 min
511
Inside Facebook’s Supreme Court
The social network spent a year building its own version of an independent judiciary. Can it succeed?
19 min
512
Coronavirus Tests China's Surveillance State
As the virus spreads across China, Xi Jinping’s censorship and surveillance network is being strained to its limit.
15 min
513
Iowa’s App-ocalypse
The debacle in Iowa doesn’t bode well for Democrats’ effort to restore digital dominance.
15 min
514
Why Is the U.S. Scared of Huawei?
Britain’s defiance of the U.S over 5G may set a precedent for the rest of the West.
16 min
515
Which Tech Companies Are Doing the Most Harm?
As “techlash” reaches a fever pitch, which companies actually deserve the heat?
19 min
516
The Silicon Valley Dream Was Always a Fantasy
Anna Wiener details her journey through tech’s uncanny valley.
20 min
517
How Targeted Ads Started Watching Us All
Two companies changed the advertising industry forever. We’re just beginning to see the consequences.
17 min
518
Do Algorithms Make Sentencing Fairer?
Thirty-five states are using algorithms to help judges make better decisions. Are they working?
17 min
519
A Landmark Privacy Law Takes Effect. Now What?
California’s Consumer Privacy Act could have a national impact.
16 min
520
Ring: Your Doorbell Is Watching
The Shark Tank reject now partners with more than 600 police departments around the country.
17 min
521
Inside The Influence Economy
What we get wrong about the world of influencers, and why we should be paying attention.
16 min
522
What Is Google After Larry and Sergey?
With the founders stepping down, the tech giant enters uncharted territory.
16 min
523
Is TikTok Really a National Security Threat?
The app’s growing popularity in the U.S. has lawmakers worried about Beijing’s influence.
20 min
524
How WhatsApp Got Hacked
Private spyware companies help governments get around encryption, and business is booming.
19 min
525
The Uber Drivers Who Don’t Want to Be Employees
A new law in California could be the beginning of the end for the gig economy.
15 min