Historian Jill Lepore says Silicon Valley misreads science fiction and undermines democracy
On the latest episode of Equity, we spoke to Jill Lepore about "government by machines" and why Elon Musk is a bad science fiction reader.
A historian and Pulitzer Prize winner argues in an upcoming book that tech companies are increasingly replacing the functions of democratic government, which she describes as a return to rule by algorithms and corporations. She distinguishes her criticism from anti-technology sentiment, stating instead that her concern is how private corporations have taken on state functions without public consent. She traces the philosophical roots of this "artificial state" through science fiction and argues that Silicon Valley leaders often misread sci-fi in ways that undermine democratic principles. Her perspective includes concerns about how tech company decisions, initially framed around efficiency and cost, have become deliberate attempts to move beyond the nation-state model.
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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns amid spy, affair scandals
Jensen Huang at GTC Berlin last month. | Photo: Soeren Stache / picture alliance via Getty Images Nvidia's board has ousted Jensen Huang, its longtime co-founder, president, and CEO, after reports of two extramarital affairs - one with an alleged Chinese spy and one with an Nvidia executive who reported to Huang. A press release published Thursday morning announced Huang's resignation, effective immediately, as current CFO Colette Kress has been appointed interim CEO. Huang has
Nvidia is reportedly preparing to fire Jensen Huang
Nvidia's board is preparing to dismiss CEO Jensen Huang following a report from the New York Times about a second alleged extramarital affair, just days after he admitted to a separate affair with a woman alleged to be a Chinese spy, The Wall Street Journal reports. The second alleged affair was with an executive who reports to him, Nvidia's vice president of health care, Kimberly Powell, according to the Times, saying the two may have been captured on video "being affectionate
Also reported by TechCrunch and Wired AI
The unfolding Jensen Huang scandal: a timeline
The affair could have ramifications for national security as the U.S. and China race to develop the most advanced AI infrastructure.
Jensen Huang accused of having another affair, with an Nvidia exec
Jensen Huang, who has come under fire for admitting to an affair with a woman accused of being a Chinese intelligence agent, has been accused of having a separate affair with an Nvidia subordinate.
Congress to call Jensen Huang in to answer for alleged Chinese spy affair
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has until the end of the day Wednesday to answer a call from House Republicans for a closed-door briefing on his affair with alleged Chinese spy.
Nvidia is investigating Jensen Huang’s relationship with a Chinese spy
Nvidia has announced that it is opening an investigation into CEO Jensen Huang and his relationship with Megaspeed executive Alice Huang, who was reportedly recruited by China's Ministry of State Security to spy on the company. A statement posted by the board of directors reads: The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort. A committee of independe
Also reported by TechCrunch, Wired AI and Data Center Knowledge