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Hard Fork

“Hard Fork” is a show about the future that’s already here. Each week, journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newton explore and make sense of the latest in the rapidly changing world of tech. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Stories by episode

7 stories
Jul 17 · The A.I. Trade Secrets War + Economists Say ‘We Must Act Now’ + HatGPT4 stories

Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Trade Secrets and Confidential Information

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its partner IO, alleging that the AI company has stolen trade secrets and confidential information. The lawsuit specifically names two current OpenAI employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan, who are former Apple employees, as central to the alleged theft.

OpenAI Executive Gigi Simo Departs Amid Company Turmoil

Gigi Simo, formerly the CEO of applications and then CEO of AI deployment at OpenAI, is leaving the company. Simo had been on extended medical leave and her responsibilities will be divided among other executives.

Concerns Rise Over AI Job Loss as Economists Issue Warning

Stanford economist Eric Brinslow discussed a new warning from hundreds of economists and researchers about the increasing risk of AI-driven job losses. The discussion highlighted the growing concern among experts regarding the economic impact of artificial intelligence.

The Porous Boundaries Between AI Companies and the Impact of Non-Competes

The conversation touched upon the fluidity of talent between AI companies, noting that in California, non-compete agreements are difficult to enforce. This leads to employees frequently moving between companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind, potentially taking knowledge and trade secrets with them.

Jul 3 · Fable Ban Reversed + Dr. Dana Suskind on Parenting With A.I. + Prediction Market Drama3 stories

US Government Reverses AI Model Restrictions, Prompting Industry Scrutiny

The Trump administration has lifted export control directives on Anthropic's advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5. The initial ban, citing a "jailbreak issue" allegedly discovered by Amazon, had halted access for many users. The reversal comes after Anthropic pushed back, suggesting similar vulnerabilities exist in other major AI models.

OpenAI's GPT 5.6 Release Delayed Amid Government Oversight

OpenAI is reportedly delaying the public release of its new GPT 5.6 model, opting for a phased rollout to government-approved partners. This move appears to be influenced by the Trump administration's increasing involvement in AI regulation, with the government requesting the company limit the model's broader availability.

Government AI Regulation Criticized for Lack of Transparency

The hosts criticize the Trump administration's approach to AI regulation, describing it as a "de facto licensing regime" with "no known rules" and "no transparency whatsoever." They argue that this arbitrary oversight creates "authoritarian limbo" for AI companies.