Reporting on the tech industry proves a huge challenge due to how opaque it all is — Empire of AI author Karen Hao talks us through her investigative methods in a conversation from November 2024.

More like this: Net 0++ AI Thirst in a Water-Scarce World w/ Julie McCarthy

We’re replaying five deep conversations over the Christmas period for you to listen to on your travels and downtime — please enjoy!

AI companies are flagrantly obstructive when it comes to sharing information about their infrastructure — this makes reporting on the climate injustices of AI really hard. Karen shares the tactics that these companies use, and the challenges that she has faced in her investigative reporting.

Further reading:

• Buy Empire of AI by Karen Hao
• Microsoft’s Hypocrisy on AI by Karen Hao
• AI is Taking Water from the Desert by Karen Hao

Post Production by Sarah Myles | Pre Production by Georgia Iacovou