About this episode
The episode discusses the case for banning cookie banners and features insights on AI-enhanced Google Maps.
Cookie banners — those pop-ups that appear on practically every webpage demanding you accept their tracking systems — are one of the most consistent low-grade annoyances of life online. But Kate Klonick, a professor and writer, argues they're actually much worse than that, and the only plausible solution is to get rid of them entirely. After that, The Verge's Allison Johnson tells us about her AI-enhanced Google Maps experience, and why the new Ask Maps feature has the potential to be both incredibly cool and incredibly creepy. Then, she helps David answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about whether E Ink phones might solve all our problems. Vote for The Vergecast in the Webby Awards! A vote for The Vergecast is a vote that Brendan Carr is a dummy, that buttons are good, and that party speakers rule the world. Voting is open until April 16. https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/podcasts/shows/technology Further reading: Ban Cookie Banners: A Case Study in Tech Regulation by Kate Klonick Kate’s website Google Maps is getting AI-powered ‘Ask Maps’ feature and more immersive navigation I let Gemini in…
People in this episode
Host: David
Guests: Kate Klonick, Allison Johnson
Topics covered
- cookie banners
- AI technology
- Google Maps
- E Ink phones
- tech regulation
- user experience
Keywords
- cookie banners
- tracking systems
- AI-enhanced
- Google Maps
- E Ink phones
- tech regulation
- user experience
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Verge, Google Maps, TCL, Boox, Webby Awards
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