
AI in security and defence: is tech making us safer?
From The Times Tech Podcast by The Sunday Times
April 30, 2026 · 43 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications of AI in security and defence, including military contracts and the potential for increased surveillance.
Alphabet, Google's parent company, has reportedly signed a deal allowing the Pentagon use of its AI for classified purposes. It's just one of many recent deals between Silicon Valley tech companies and the US military. Meanwhile, tech company Palantir says future AI warfare is inevitable and is calling on big tech bosses to "participate in the defence of the nation". Danny Fortson and Katie Prescott discuss this cultural shift, and whether AI is actually making us safer or enabling the rise of the ‘Big Brother’ state. Plus, Julian Cracknell, CTO of defence company BAE Systems, talks about the future of defence and killer robots. Get in touch: techpod@thetimes.co.uk Producer : Marnie Duke Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Hosts: Danny Fortson, Katie Prescott
Guest: Julian Cracknell
Topics covered
- AI in security
- defence technology
- military contracts
- Silicon Valley
- Big Brother
- future of warfare
Keywords
- AI
- security
- defence
- Pentagon
- Palantir
- Big Brother
- BAE Systems
- military technology
- future warfare
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Alphabet, Google, Pentagon, Palantir, BAE Systems
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