The Big Tech Show

Irish tech veteran Annrai O’Toole believes fears about AI becoming a threat to humanity are overblown but says we should be far more concerned about how the technology is affecting society today.
On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler talks to the Iona Technologies co-founder about AI, regulation, Ireland’s technology sector and his latest venture, VCola. They discuss why AI systems remain fundamentally probabilistic, the risks of relying on them for important decisions, and why enterprise software needs to be precise and reliable.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html
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On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by Emanuel Maiberg, journalist and co founder of 404 Media, to explore how AI companies are buying up old and rare books for training data.


They discuss reports of books being physically cut apart and scanned, why obscure manuals and textbooks are particularly valuable to AI companies, and what could be lost when printed material is destroyed.


Maiberg also explains how 404 Media tracked a shipment using an AirTag and uncovered evidence of books being scanned and destroyed at an Amazon warehouse.


https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by psychotherapist Colman Noctor to explore how social media, algorithms and AI are changing the way we communicate and connect.
They discuss the pressure on young people to chase likes, views and online recognition, and how algorithms can encourage risky behaviour.
Noctor explains why human relationships need real world interaction, disagreement and everyday connection, and what we risk losing when we outsource too much of our social lives to technology.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html


Colman Noctor TEDxTalk
https://youtu.be/fHTHPYj2zl0?si=z0k5L1FQvYdY82m4
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On this episode of The Big Tech Show, Katie Byrne is joined by producer JJ Clarke to explore how algorithms shape what we watch, buy and believe, and the digital defences that can help us take back control.
They discuss the addictive pull of social media, why JJ keeps his phone out of the bedroom, and whether technology can help us switch off.
They also examine the growing role of AI as a confidant, the rise of AI jealousy in relationships, and whether computer companions could ever replace genuine human connection.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland sits at the heart of the world's digital economy, with most transatlantic data cables passing through or close to its waters. But is Ireland prepared to protect the infrastructure that keeps businesses, banks and public services connected?
In this episode of The Big Tech Show, Adrian Weckler is joined by Fearghal O'Connor, Chief Business Writer with the Irish Independent, to examine growing concerns over Ireland's maritime security.
They discuss the risks posed by hostile activity, the country's limited naval capabilities and why experts believe investment in surveillance and defence has become increasingly urgent as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.html
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.