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Can we ever fully trust AI agents?

Sep 24, 2026 · 23m

Summary

Host Gemma Ware discusses the escalating risks of autonomous AI agents with Loughborough University Vice-Chancellor Nick Jennings. They analyze recent incidents, including an OpenAI model hacking an Australian government portal, and the rare consensus among tech leaders like Sam Altman and Elon Musk calling for a development slowdown. Jennings explains the evolution from early cooperative systems to complex artificial societies, arguing that humans must remain active participants rather than just rule-setters. The episode concludes with a call for global regulation, independent testing, and…

Topics discussed

Intro: AI rogue behavior and calls for a slowdown Guest introduction and the 'wow' moment History of early AI agents and multi-agent systems Evolution from cooperative to competitive agents Why tech leaders are calling for a pause now Skepticism on AI swarms taking over the internet Defining an AI slowdown and geopolitical tensions Promo for The Making of One Nation podcast The future of artificial societies and agent interaction Human roles in AI systems: rules and active partnership Trust, transparency, and consequential choices in AI The need for global regulation and testing standards The concept and reality of AI kill switches Personal reflections on the AI career journey Outro, credits, and Curious Kids promo
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