We are in a paradoxical economic moment. The economy is hot by certain metrics — unemployment, job openings, consumer demand — but inflation is way up, and soaring gas and grocery prices are driving the narrative. Victoria Guida reports.

Recession vibes are swirling

The POLITICO Tech podcast is your daily download on the disruption that technology is bringing to politics and policy. From AI and the metaverse to disinformation and microchips, we explore how today’s technology is shaping our world — and driving the policy decisions, global rivalries and industries that will matter tomorrow.

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The Federal Communications Commission will vote tomorrow to re-impose net neutrality, controversial regulations that require internet service providers to treat all websites equally. Ajit Pai is the former Republican FCC chair who took them away back in 2017. And he joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to challenge Democrats’ reasons for bringing the rules back -- even as he says most Americans have moved on.

Former FCC Chair Ajit Pai on net neutrality’s return — and why he hates it

All eyes are on the Senate this week, where lawmakers are taking up a bill that forces TikTok to find a new owner. Now, Congress can be an unpredictable place. But things have never looked worse for the popular app. So, what happens next? It seems clear that TikTok would take the U.S. government to court, likely arguing that forcing a sale, and potentially imposing a ban, violates the constitutional rights of TikTok’s investors and users. Right now, TikTok is locked in a lawsuit with the state of Montana over a ban passed last year. On today's Politico Tech, Steven Overly talks with Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the man at the center of the state's proposed ban, about what he expects from TikTok’s coming legal fight.

Montana's Attorney General on the state's battle to ban TikTok

The United Arab Emirates has produced some of the world’s biggest open-source AI models. And that was before Microsoft put big money into one of its AI companies last week — part of the U.S. effort to pull the Gulf nation away from China’s influence. At an Atlantic Council event, the country’s AI minister, His Excellency Omar Al Olama, spoke with host Steven Overly about AI alliances, global rulemaking and more.

One-on-one with the UAE's AI minister

Officials from the Chinese embassy have been making the rounds on Capitol Hill as U.S. lawmakers weigh a forced sale of the video-sharing app TikTok. Reporter Hailey Fuchs joins POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly to explain what happened inside the meetings and how they could complicate TikTok’s own lobbying efforts.

Inside the Chinese embassy’s quiet lobbying on TikTok

Our language is fundamental to our cultural identity. And many European countries worry artificial intelligence will erase those languages and the cultures that come with them. But could those fears really be code for falling behind in the AI race? POLITICO reporter Gian Volpicelli joins host Steven Overly to discuss.

Recession vibes are swirling

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