The problem with AI

The problem with AI

Author: BBC World Service April 7, 2026 Duration: 26:28

Can we trust AI? Its answers are not always correct. And it only knows what it's been trained on, so some of its responses can contain bias. Tech experts offer us some solutions.

Also this week: digital twinning is helping the restoration of a three hundred year old palace. And the joy of mundane video gaming!

Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: A person is typing on a laptop computer. Digital icons for AI, ticks (checkmarks) and warning signs float above the keyboard. Credit: Getty Images)


From the studios of the BBC World Service comes Tech Life, a global conversation about the tools reshaping our everyday existence. This isn't just a show about new gadgets; it's a deep dive into the human stories behind the silicon. Each episode takes you to the front lines of innovation, introducing the thinkers and tinkerers whose bright ideas are redefining how we work, learn, and connect. We go beyond the press release, getting hands-on with emerging products to understand their real-world impact. But Tech Life also tackles the harder questions, scrutinizing the immense power wielded by tech giants and examining who truly benefits-and who gets left behind-in this relentless transformation. The podcast serves as an essential guide to a future that is constantly being written, offering clarity and context on the forces that are actively making and remaking our world. Tune in for thoughtful, international reporting that connects the dots between a line of code and a change in your daily life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Tech Life
Podcast Episodes
Class action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
A class action lawsuit is underway in Italy against Meta and TikTok. Lawyers say they want to protect younger children from social media harm. We look at the issues.Also in Tech Life this week, we have another story abou…
Pinterest boss on online safety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
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Duration: 26:30
We hear from experts on the pros and cons of using AI in the healthcare world. Plus ex-Minecraft YouTuber Stampy, AKA Joseph Garrett, on turning to game design. But are console games getting too expensive? And the studen…
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Duration: 26:29
This week we're talking about connectivity. How to keep the internet running when international data cables are damaged by earthquakes or war. And are light beams a solution ?Also this week: Satellites and AI are being u…
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Duration: 26:29
A fleet of small robotic sailboats, packed with sensors, are ready to sail into the path of storms, to gather data on developing hurricanes. We find out how they'll do it. The data will help experts predict where a hurri…
Talking translation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
We test the AI tech that offers live language translation on the telephone. India bans online money games. And AI in the workplace - a global study looks at who uses it, and why.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Q…
What happens when you lose your social media? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
For months, we have been hearing from people all over the world who say they have been unfairly banned from their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Meta has, so far, said nothing publicly about what’s going on. Plus, we c…
Tech and performance at the Edinburgh Festivals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:31
A special from Edinburgh, where art and performance meet tech with spectacular results. Including a magician with robot assistants, an AI improv group and an electrifying dance act.Every August, Edinburgh becomes the cen…
Dealing with cyber attacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
Singapore is experiencing an increase in cyber threats, and its critical infrastructure was targeted in a cyber attack. We speak to the country's Commissioner of Cybersecurity.Also in Tech Life this week: we hear the rea…
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Duration: 26:29
China’s DeepSeek took the AI world by storm this year. Where is it now? Plus the AI doomsday scenario capturing the imagination of the tech world. How seriously should we take it? And the future of driving with Volvo’s t…