Obama on AI, free speech, and the future of the internet

Former President Barack Obama sat down with The Verge’s editor-in-chief and Decoder host Nilay Patel to talk about AI, social networks, and how to think about democracy as both of those things collide. The conversation, which took place just hours after President Joe Biden signed his executive order on AI, covers some of today’s biggest issues in tech and policy. Of course, we also had to ask Obama what apps he has on his homescreen. #AI #Technology #Podcast
Read more: www.theverge.com/e/23712912
0:00 Intro
0:30 Biden’s executive order on AI
05:38 Tech regulation & avoiding mistakes of social media
11:30 Why AI companies are asking for regulating
14:52 Silicon Valley’s pushback against regulation
17:35 AI rules and who’s responsible for following them
19:43 Should tech platforms be treated as common carriers?
22:57 Regulating around the First Amendment; copyright law
25:08 Red Lion v. FCC & the Fairness Doctrine
28:26 The rise of AI-generated social feeds
33:41 AI copyright lawsuits & labor effects
39:47 Obama’s experience using AI chatbots
41:39 Obama’s homescreen apps
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[@TheVerge]

How should the government regulate AI?

[@donaldharlan3981]

That Obama was made with AI ? I don't like it. ✂

[@davidleomorley889]

Without oBOMBa's help. That narcissist isn't even a human being anymore, but rather, he is a social media brand that makes sure his brand is uncontroversial and as popular as he can be. He makes me sick.

[@Asnyder86]

The government shouldn't regulate AI

[@andreylucass]

Obama is a war criminal.

[@DaxLLM]

At this point it can't regulate itself hahaha. It's developing itself. It will be the first alien being we will encounter. And there's nothing 😢 we can do about it at this point. So buckle up!

[@garretthamlow]

God I’ve missed when a president can form a coherent sentence. What a breath of fresh air

[@SINYC02]

This! Super, this.

[@69Solo]

I do not like him, but I have never turned deaf ears towards him!

[@cestlavieeee]

a charming sentence does not equate to good work

[@09_jp_]

🤡🤡 Keep drinking the kool-aid. Michelle is also Michael, wakey wakey

[@kyleh6984]

@@olivicmicYes. Muammar Gaddafi was a Democratically Elected leader. Oh wait…

[@mkbhd]

Lots of really insightful conversation and answers to questions, loved it.

[@rjisasavage]

10/10

[@joshuaberry3283]

Marques, we need you on decoder ASAP THAT

[@reckless1280]

@@joshuaberry3283 Marques was one of our first Decoder guests ever! www.theverge.com/22231657/mkbhd-marques-brownlee-interview-youtube-creator-influencer-decoder

[@reckless1280]

thank you! I only called him "dude" once

[@m4r_art]

It would almost seem as if the people we are watching on the web are not just automated AI lifeforms. @mkbhd :)

[@davidwilliamdw]

I miss having such a thoughtful and intelligent president. Though not perfect when it comes to foreign policy, there is a lot to be said for a president that genuinely wants to improve things for the marginalized. Best president of my lifetime.

[@tS-sn7jt]

Are you kidding me Best President why…

[@Zero11_ss]

Obama was good at talking and he had some good ideas/motivations. But in the end the implemenation was not good and the nails in the coffin for people to hate him was his reaction to the GFC in 2008 where not a single banker went to jail and bank CEO's themselves were surprised by how easy they got off.

[@newmantopia]

@@tS-sn7jt The bar is pretty low to be fair.

[@fallenkeith5885]

@@newmantopia M8 the bar is down in the Mariana's Trench at this point after the current one and the previous one

[@Acccountable]

Not perfect when it comes to foreign policy? Yeah as in thousands and thousands being killed for no damn reason, yeah real thoughtgul. No, try, smooth talker and intellingent in getting the MSM to back his America hating.

[@djp1234]

So refreshing when a president can talk like a normal human being and stay on topic.

[@weiyeeong1212]

❤

[@Secretlyanothername]

It's been a long seven years.

[@jimvasquez4336]

I love his war crimes

[@ye24christisking40]

Yayyyyy corrupt war criminals rocks, I love hearing them talk good!

[@djp1234]

@@ye24christisking40 are you lost? This isn’t a video about Putin.

[@subhav]

Obama's post-presidency interviews are usually pretty thoughtful, but there's something refreshingly different about the conversational nature of this one. I appreciate that you tried to bring out the wonky law-lecturer side of President Obama and not just the cautious, reflective side. You guys took yourselves _just_ seriously enough. Great job, Nilay, and thanks for the awesome content!

[@simondelevci]

bad job for you because this weaker will be a president in USA and will receive state pension MALO TRABAJO PARA TE PORQUE ESTO DEBILIDADOR VOLVER PRESIDENTE EN EEUU Y VOLVER RECEIVO ESTADO PENSÍON

[@maikvoets3628]

Oh man, the quality of this.... talking about technical progress happening in media today - This feels like having Obama in my living room.. From all the social media out there, KZbin has become my favourite lately.

[@Mrbu827]

💞💞

[@ellaisrael4287]

Admire his brilliancy. Extremely gifted❤

[@miloshp7399]

I wouldn't usually listen to every politician talk tech. But Mr Obama is amongst the few brilliant ones.

[@sidali2590]

Agree but he's got haters

[@j4nkh4nk]

I've missed quite a few Decoders, but I definitely didn't miss this one. Definitely one of my faves and I'm super glad Nilay got to do it. Thanks!

[@WhatsInAName222]

Every time I hear him speak, I realize how much I miss him. A deep thinker and terrific speaker.

[@flashlightwashcloth7283]

Oh lord, same. Same here my friend

[@Humanity-en3gw]

That's how Puppets work.

[@calysagora3615]

The most well spoken psychopath mass-murdering war criminal puppet of Black Rock and Vanguard ever.

[@barrettzbrowning]

Barack could return: he needs to convince Joe to retire, as he promised, and got Michele to run at the top of the Dem ticket, even tho she hated every day in the White House, with OBAMA as her VEEP! Landslide!! Save Democracy, Michelle.

[@jb-vb8un]

the Iran nuclear deal also removed some $100 billion in sanctions on Iran. This made Iran once again a big player in the Mideast. It's almost certain that a good piece of that went to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, which by some accounts control as much as 40% of Iran's economy. It's clear from Obama administration actions, under both his Secretaries of State, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, that the Obama White House despised Israel and did all they could to undermine its security. It's clear from Obama administration actions, under both his Secretaries of State, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, that the Obama White House despised Israel and did all they could to undermine its security. How else can you explain the enabling of a terrorist-supporting regime? The Obama administration failed to enforce its own "red line" in Syria on chemical weapons. By doing so, it in effect invited both Russia and Iran into that disintegrating country. Iranian troops today are within striking distance of our one true ally in the region, Israel. Mideast Disintegration The disintegration of Libya, the collapse of Egypt, and Turkey's embrace of radical Islam, all took place under Obama's watch. None of them were in the U.S.' interest. The Mideast has been a mess for decades, but things got markedly worse under Obama. A big reason is the Iran nuclear deal didn't make anyone in the Mideast, Europe or U.S. safer. But it did empower the terrorist-supporting mullahs in Tehran. The mullahs are now funding terrorism on Israel's border. They're biding their time until they can get another anti-Israel president in the White House. Mullahs with a nuclear weapon will be a nightmare. President Trump has a big job still ahead of him, but in his first year and a half in office he has undone much of Obama's damage. All of this because the Obama administration signed a deal that not only didn't end Tehran's nuclear program, but merely postponed it for a decade, all while doing nothing about its terrorist activities. Now we find that Obama also helped finance that. Paying to support terrorism, and not telling the American people about it. Still think the Obama administration was "scandal-free"?

[@Mr_Battlefield]

I think these questions also needs to be asked in a interview with the CEO's of each AI company as well. This interview was good. I just need to hear more from different points of view.

[@reckless1280]

Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella have both been on Decoder this year!

[@Mr_Battlefield]

@@reckless1280That's good news. The more we hear from everyone the better we get a full picture of everyone's role in AI.

[@Leuel48Fan]

So refreshing to hear a leader merely competent in the basics of technology let alone the nuance shown here. Our next president should be under age 60!

[@SunnyWinterz]

While I agree, Obama is 62.

[@hughey1]

​@@SunnyWinterzwhat was his age when he was president though?

[@SunnyWinterz]

@@hughey1 Doesn’t matter. The person who commented was complimenting his current state of mind, intellect and competence in 2023. So the point was, he’d still be an excellent leader today at 62.

[@anneparsons8305]

2023 -2016 =7. 62-7= 55 depending on when his birthday fell his last year as President. Arithmetic, Kids! Done in my head; too! Or, even GOOGLE it. 17:06

[@jb-vb8un]

@@SunnyWinterz Iran is indeed a dangerous terrorist state that not only has a powerful standing army, air force, navy and advanced weapons systems - including ballistic missiles and a growing space program - but also controls multiple proxy terrorist organizations responsible for killing and injuring hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children. Included on that list of victims are thousands of American military personnel and contractors. These were facts that former President Obama knew when he deliberately chose a policy of appeasement and cash payoffs instead of strength and accountability as the way to deal with Iran. President Trump spelled this out in no uncertain terms on Wednesday when he addressed the nation while seeking to dial down the imminent threat Iran may pose to our nation, the Middle East and the world. Said the president in part, “Iran’s hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013 and they were given $150 billion, not to mention $1.8 billion in cash. … Then, Iran went on a terror spree, funded by the money from the deal and created hell in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq. The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration.”

[@f8accompli238]

To be the first Black president who did 8 years, and literally had zero scandals, set a standard that EVERY president of ANY color should follow. It should not only not be forgotten but should be the STANDARD and EMPHASIZED.

[@joywilliams9864]

Thank you

[@teddyj.3198]

Bengazi, Fast & Furious, NSA spying

[@AliMoeeny]

Nilay looks sharp with the tie :D

[@derek1049]

Blown away by the video (the quality of the capture/editing along side the personality), great job Verge and Nilay.

[@LeeWoods]

Great interview. He's such a genuinely thoughtful and smart guy

[@Secretlyanothername]

Obama is pretty thoughtful too.

[@calysagora3615]

Not to mention he's one of the greatest sociopath war criminals of our times!

[@Secretlyanothername]

@@calysagora3615 calm down

[@calysagora3615]

@@Secretlyanothername Someone voted war-criminal and have trouble facing the reality of the results of their crime... Silly violent statetheists...

[@sidali2590]

@@calysagora3615that was bush

[@ammini999]

It is always a true pleasure to listen to the President express his thoughts on any topic. I imagine that many would desire his capacity for communication.

[@paternyao]

Nilay wearing the suit and tie is hilarious 🤣

[@gmancolo]

Pathetic.

[@luismanuelg.b9470]

This former president is so eloquent his semantic is perfect.

[@calysagora3615]

The most articulate war criminal in US history.

[@luismanuelg.b9470]

​@@calysagora3615 l agree with you l just pointed out his positive qualities, as a speaker; he always hits the spot. His administration wasn't what l expected, l mean he did nothing for the black community despite being the first "African American chairman" therefore, black community prefer to see Donald Trump on the oval.

[@naomixx177]

@@luismanuelg.b9470you do NOT speak for me! Most black people don’t want trump.

[@sidali2590]

@@luismanuelg.b9470no sense Obama was the best

[@cenonebora]

Man I love how he organizes his thoughts - I mean the topic here is fairly technical and you can tell he has done the research. Very impressed :)

[@PatrickJoannisse]

I could feel Nilay on the edge of his seat when Obama started talking about laws and first amendment like he was WAITING for that fire in a theatre example just so he could correct a former President lol

[@reckless1280]

I was so ready

[@Pok3rface]

The first intelligent conversation I've heard in a long time, particularly on AI, really did not expect this, what a blessing. Please interview RFK Junior soon possible !

[@Unamatrix01]

What a fantastic interview.The insight that President Obama was able to impart is highly beneficial to the understanding and shaping of eventual AI regulations.❤

[@UniverseSpeck]

I have to say, this was the least divisive interview I've seen Obama give in a long time. Topics were universal and he is clearly trying to help find solutions. I wish he were like that all the time.

[@tomkittle4185]

This is an awesome interview/conversation with such insight and thoughtful dialogue. Thank you for this--hoping for more like it in the future!

[@tonylouis6072]

We really took it for granted having a president who was smart, decent, likable and honorable. We thought it was always gonna be like that

[@JOSEPEREZ-fc4eh]

Obama not included

[@mariacosta4463]

Love how President Obama always makes me feel like I've learned something when I listen to him thank you for this great content!

[@pnketia]

It is so nice and refreshing to listen to a real President speak with intelligence and respect unlike the "Orange Guy". Thank you President Obama!

[@aliettienne2907]

There's some good points made here I need to re-watch this interview. I like the statement that Ai should be looked at as a tool or an extension of one's self and not anything more. Regulating Ai is indispensable but it may not have a perfect regulating model or solution for every area of Ai application. 😎💯👊🏾👍🏾

[@AtillatheFun]

This was not President Obama, it was the Lawyer Obama. Fascinating interview that is rare.

[@hendrx]

ask him about the drone program

[@susntadey4388]

What a phenomenal as well as sweet personality of President Barack Obama. Very impressive personality indeed.

[@Aridgway]

Pretty refreshing seeing a extremely educated and charismatic leader

[@calysagora3615]

Charisma certainly is the main asset of sociopathic war criminals like him. It's so convincing one might actually be fooled for a moment into thinking he's a real human.

[@62Deepblue]

Notably, everyone always has so much respect for President Obama. Why? Inturn, he treats everyone as an equal.

[@jlvandat69]

Generally true, but there's a certain number of people who have never had real respect for anyone who speaks factually and rationally, That group will never respect Obama or similar people of integrity.

[@yafeters]

Great interview Nilay. Keep up the great work!

[@calysagora3615]

So good! Can't wait for him to interview other prominent war criminals.

[@benwillvv]

An unbelievably smart leader. Thank you for this interview.

[@JonSnowxx]

Hats off to the video team. Lighting, composition, all of it. A+

[@EdReardon-uw4kt]

Could listen to him all day what a communicator

[@IsaacTorres]

GOAT POTUS, what a fantastic sit-down. Well done Nilay. Who could have imagined back in the engadget days this is how things would have ended up. WILD.

[@reckless1280]

Don’t worry I can still recite the specs of any first-wave HTC Android phone by memory

[@NeuraPod]

Excellent interview. Well done asking great questions.

[@theoaklandpanda9129]

Great interview. I miss having such an articulate, thoughtful leader. Obama is special.

[@BrazaBryan]

Special warmonger

[@olivicmic]

Special war criminal

[@mattmaas5790]

Him and Trump did successfully wipe out ISIS and haven't heard of AL Qaeda since bin laden got taken out

[@mattmaas5790]

Also Biden has pulled out of afghanistan but I'm sure you'd complain about that too even though it's the opposite of War mongering

[@imperfectmammal2566]

@@BrazaBryanbetter than having someone who can’t even walk properly

[@daveadams6421]

He's a great speaker. Always has been 👍

[@jeycalc6877]

but a terrible president

[@calysagora3615]

Sociopaths can be so convincing, like this war criminal. Imagine people still invite this monster to interviews... And some people even still hallucinate that this is a good human. Incredible!

[@charlesholsopple983]

Draft 1 That's an excellent idea! Here's a sample comment you can use to introduce the 222 Priority Mechanism (222 PM) to Barack Obama and the interviewers, emphasizing the pragmatic use of blockchain, DAOs, and smart contracts to address the information credibility problem: President Obama, esteemed interviewers, I'm deeply impressed by your insightful discussion on the transformative potential of AI, while also acknowledging the challenges it poses. In this era of technological advancement, it's crucial to harness AI for the betterment of humanity, addressing the most fundamental needs that underpin global peace and stability.

[@TheFredfuchs]

Fantastic interview. Very calm, very clear and concise. Thanks for this show and real content.

[@calysagora3615]

Sociopaths are Really great at staying calm and pretending to be humans.

[@TheFredfuchs]

😐😐😐 sure. Anything is anything.

[@Mrbu827]

Hello 👋👋👋

[@jo1683]

@@calysagora3615 Go away russian troll.

[@nexusyang4832]

It’s time to bring back the Office of Technology Assessment. Real experts within the government that can work and think about this and not be influenced from or by big tech is what we need.

[@rolan2dr]

Great job with this interview Nilay!

[@ranjitkrdas41]

Sir,Namaskar ,May God bless yours family all members and I am proud of your Lifestyle.

[@captainpollutiontv]

I really like how you can tell that he carefully thinks and chooses his words.

[@coldfisao]

Nilay, thank you for this interview, and thank you for the pleasure of seeing you in a tie 😊

[@FrankDeMarco]

Wonderful discussion, Nilay! I know I'm not your Dad, but I sure am proud of you.

[@lovedit2565]

no 1 Lots of really insightful conversation and answers to questions, loved it ?

[@Mahounou111]

He come up a lot of points I haven't thought about yet. He's always inspired and got something important to teach. Thank you for bringing him here and nextly make sure to having him again.

[@Mrbu827]

💞💞😍

[@rikachiu]

When America was more sane. I miss pre 2016.

[@valeriylitvinenko7345]

Thanks for such a nice conversation. Mr. Obama deep respect from youth!

[@alecfotsch3533]

Nilay looking sharp!

[@savvy20102010]

Thank goodness that I was blessed to be blessed to have been graced with a graceful and gifted man. So grateful and thankful ty God its been great my lifetime.

[@brunosavoca]

omg this quality is insane

[@TheVerge]

Been waiting for this comment 👀😌 - Vjeran

[@PakSoerja]

Obama can talk like a CEO of Ai Startup. howlee hell this man..

[@neiljouini8232]

that s is true, never finished It s a really pleasur President to hear you make always great analyse and advertising of your country. That is real, never finish.

[@theordofett]

Wow, congrats on the interview

[@rontrecker8822]

Obama is so articulate and informed. Riley is an excellent interviewer. Discussions like this one are definitely needed needed for an informed citizens. This is a particularly good format by showing affirmative past data in real time. More! More! More!

[@AWritersHusband]

This was an awesome interview.

[@hardchoice19]

Really good, informative watch.

[@svlstg396]

Thanks ❤

[@kyleh6984]

Can anyone seriously believe Trump could have an intelligible conversation about AI?

[@InnovatinatorType]

“I know AI, I’ve always been great with AI. Some people say I know AI the most. Great people, terrific and loyal people. AI is huge but very dangerous.. Chyna wants AI, democrats want AI, it’s true. People say “Donald, everyone is using AI against you!” But of course I have the best AI, amazing AI.”

[@AaronAbernethy]

‘I invented AI. It’s true!’

[@Assertiveman]

He's well spoken awesome to see him again and also humble practical

[@Kglviews]

Did Nilay say at 17:34 that he’ll send the said-video to President Obama?!?😅

[@vsuplovdiv]

Bravo !!! Great interview

[@talismangaming7496]

Wow what a good conversation. Loved it.

[@johnminh]

What an enjoyable and insightful conversation!

[@tobisonbrown]

Business Nilay in full effect.

[@GwynethHarold]

Regulations for AI should not be skewed to benefit enterprises. The framework principles should be aligned with the common law. Create regulations that make the virtual world as close to the real world as possible. My 2 cents.

[@jh8458]

Love this conversation!

[@GGori_99]

Woooahhh Nilay finally !!!

[@KombatFlix]

Miss this guy

[@savvy20102010]

Oh i so agree ty for being a good wonderful person and great person thank you so much.

[@vhol93]

Awesome interview

[@GrumpDog]

Soon as we have super intelligent AI.. Capitalism, or at least some of the core justifications for how it works, becomes invalid for the average worker. Prove me wrong. We're going to need to make major changes, and people need to wake up and demand them asap. Requiring everyone compete for their survival, just doesn't work anymore, once people have to compete against something like ASI. There simply won't be enough of the jobs AI cannot do, for everyone. Ideas like an AI Dividend from taxes on AI, or an Unconditional Basic Income are absolutely necessary, and the sooner the better!

[@hackman669]

Right on. 🤗😁

[@user-oh8fc9sl2d]

Excuse me Mr.we are worried about Blackberry etc etc what is that can be good outcome, thanks.

[@DJChappie001]

13:56 Almost slipped there XD

[@muhumuzageffrey550]

no way either Biden or Trump could have a coherent conversation about AI like Obama just did

[@user-py4lq5wu8h]

He's still running the country

[@jlvandat69]

EXCELLENT interview. I wonder if we should be asking AI how to best regulate AI. 🤣🤣 Seriously, maybe an AI system developed solely for the purpose of providing Congress with the best policies/laws to regulate AI might be the smartest approach?

[@marsocperatorfaulkner]

Great, Interview, so, far, and an, Honorable, man, that, held, President, Postion 10:45

[@NiceShotStudio]

One of the smartest and most relatable Presidents we have ever had. I loved how he really pushed the green technologies into existence. Something that I personally believe in to this day. I am happy he is doing well and still maintaining a positive public figure leading by example. Leading by example was my single most favorite part of Obama. That means a lot to me and is something I think about in my own life when leadership is required. There is no better leadership than leading by example in my opinion.

[@fernandooliveiralino]

Great to hear Barack Obama as always. Thank you.

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

''us help us all always and expose evil always '' GREAT JOB ALL...THANX 4 MAKING Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO the music worldwide. LOVE YOU ALL...!!!....MUCH LOVE.!!

[@rose-mariemcguire4972]

I was so excited, proud and 😮 my brother is the president of America! We were encouraged to always be at our best behavior at all times by born in NY city mama. Think, work it out in your head, speak up in your best English! Now studying Latin lessons on Duolingo 😅 because Uncle Foster a CU student of the early 1920's and my sponsor for my 1958 AB @ then CC and now CAU!

[@rohanpanchal2567]

It's Business Nilay!

[@samhenrigold]

Did…did Nilay just tell Obama he’d send him a tiktok

[@reckless1280]

It’s a good TikTok kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKnGgnylnZh5h7Mfeature=shared

[@Damion1204]

Very informative

[@JermaineHarris-kp8jv]

42:00 The vent and its moment

[@Ibanezrocker724]

I’ve been waiting for this for days. Great job nilay

[@wheelsee]

Fingers crossed for an org chart and decision making framework... Seriously though congrats on this get, Nilay.

[@richardgaliguis]

That SM7dB looking fresh

[@Liberiangirl1954]

There are more and more people who loves you as intelligent speaker, they all waiting that you be soon president of america. A good heart for people and kids. We miss you. ! Come again

[@gnobre]

What a great surprise this video was!

[@JoeJoe-di4oj]

Your the best president we have ever had in US history . Wish we could vote for you a 3rd term 😢 we miss you Mr president ❤🇺🇸🙏🏽

[@blackvatoonsite7750]

Blessings 🙏

[@JuarezVasconcelos-pg8ej]

Esse é o CARA, é muito especial e muito humano 💗💗💗🌹🕊️🌿🗽🇺🇲🤗🇧🇷🤗