This week on Uncanny Valley, we dive into some truly unexpected turns of events, from the Trump administration’s surprising shift on AI regulation to a former federal employee who, after being ousted by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), is now running for office. We’re also getting to the bottom of the Hantavirus outbreak – should you really be worried? Plus, a laid-off Spirit Airlines employee shares their firsthand account of the company’s shutdown.
Join hosts Zoë Schiffer, WIRED’s director of business and industry; Brian Barrett, executive editor; and Leah Feiger, director of politics and science, as they unpack these intriguing stories. You can always catch the podcast through the audio player on this page or subscribe for free on your favorite podcast app like Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or Spotify. Don’t forget, you can follow Brian Barrett at @brbarrett, Zoë Schiffer at @zoeschiffer, and Leah Feiger at @leahfeiger on Bluesky, and write to us at [email protected]
A Surprising U-Turn on AI Regulation?
The AI industry experienced an interesting week, kicked off by reports that the Trump administration is considering an executive order to establish federal oversight over new AI models. This potential move, initially reported by The New York Times, would create a committee of tech executives and government officials to review AI models before their public release. The exact scope – whether this group would simply evaluate or have the power to approve releases – remains unclear, but it signals a significant reversal from the administration’s historically lax approach to AI regulation.
This development comes hot on the heels of major AI companies like Google, Microsoft, xAI, Anthropic, and OpenAI already agreeing to give the government early access to their models. It’s a striking contrast to previous statements from figures like JD Vance, who had advocated for a hands-off approach, prioritizing “building” over “hand-wringing about safety.” This sudden shift has many wondering about the true motivations and potential impact of such an executive order.
Leah Feiger expressed her shock at this news, noting the administration’s strong focus on deregulation as a core campaign tenet. The question of “who are the overseers?” quickly arises, especially given previous departures of AI experts from the administration’s sphere. The concern is that a lack of knowledgeable individuals might lead to oversight decisions that don’t serve the best long-term interests of either the industry or the public.
The hosts also speculated on whether this move is a strategic play to address growing public concern over AI’s impact on jobs, privacy, and mental health. While the administration previously issued an executive order to “de-woke AI” with little follow-up, the potential for a new culture war wave, focusing on perceived biases in AI training data, remains a real possibility. Zoë even tried to get an off-the-record comment from Sam Altman, but it seems he’s either media-trained or preoccupied with other matters.
From DOGE Target to Congressional Candidate
In another captivating story, a former federal employee who was dismissed by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) is now running for a House seat. This individual, Alexis Goldstein, a former employee of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), was put on leave after she recorded DOGE operatives accessing equipment at her workplace without proper identification or notice to employees.
Goldstein, recalling the surreal experience, described how she encountered people without required CFPB badges accessing sensitive equipment. She felt compelled to investigate and report what she saw, aligning with directives to defend the sensitive data of American citizens. The incident highlighted concerns about the security of “personally identifying information” and the sudden disruption of a trusted government agency.
Goldstein emphasized the immense trust placed in federal employees to handle the vulnerable moments of millions of people dealing with financial scams or mortgage troubles. Her decision to film the DOGE operatives was driven by a sense of duty to protect this data and report suspicious activities. This firsthand account sheds light on the chaotic early days of the DOGE takeover and its profound impact on dedicated public servants.
Are You Worried About Hantavirus?
Finally, we tackle the pressing question of the Hantavirus outbreak and whether you should be concerned. While details of the discussion are reserved for the podcast, the hosts hint that Brian is probably less worried than Leah. The segment promises to offer clarity and practical insights into this public health concern, helping listeners understand the real risks and necessary precautions.
We also check in with a Spirit Airlines worker who was laid off following the company’s shutdown. This individual shares their personal experience of receiving the news and reflects on what they will miss most about their job. These human-interest stories provide a poignant look at the personal impact of major corporate decisions.
Source: Wired – AI
