Digital Disruptors - with Geoff Nielson

Digital Disruption

with Geoff Nielson

Episode #51 02.09.26
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Our Guest Bruce Schneier Discusses

Is AI a Threat to Democracy? Bruce Schneier Explains What Comes Next

Is artificial intelligence strengthening democracy or quietly reshaping power in ways we’re not prepared for?

On this episode of Digital Disruption, we’re joined by world-renowned security technologist and author Bruce Schneier.

Described by the Economist as a "security guru," Bruce is best known as a refreshingly candid and lucid security critic and commentator. He works at the intersection of security, technology, and people and has been writing about security issues on his blog since 2004 and monthly newsletter since 1998. He is a fellow and lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School, a board member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the chief of security architecture at Inrupt, Inc.

Bruce joins Geoff to explore one of the most important questions: Will AI strengthen democracy or quietly undermine it? From government services and public policy to cybersecurity, labor, and the justice system, Bruce breaks down how artificial intelligence acts as a power-magnifying technology, amplifying both the best and worst intentions of those who use it. Drawing from real-world examples in Germany, Brazil, Japan, France, Canada, and the United States, this conversation examines where AI is already reshaping democratic institutions. Bruce also outlines four concrete strategies for steering AI toward democratic outcomes: resisting harmful uses, reforming the AI ecosystem, responsibly deploying AI where it helps, and fixing the underlying societal problems AI tends to amplify.

This conversation also dives into:

  • How AI can improve government efficiency without replacing human judgment.
  • The risks of AI concentration in the hands of powerful corporations and governments.
  • AI’s impact on work, jobs, and hiring in an era of automation.
  • The role of regulation, reform, and resistance in shaping AI’s future.
  • Whether AI will ultimately democratize power or reinforce inequality.
Is AI a Threat to Democracy? Bruce Schneier Explains What Comes Next

The Next Industrial Revolution Is Already Here

Digital Disruption is where leaders and experts share their insights on using technology to build the organizations of the future. As intelligent technologies reshape our lives and our livelihoods, we speak with the thinkers and the doers who will help us predict and harness this disruption.

Episode #52 02.17.26

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Our Guest Josh Browder Discusses

The World's First AI Lawyer: Josh Browder on the Anti-Scam AI You Need to Know

In this episode of Digital Disruption, Geoff is joined by Josh Browder, founder of DoNotPay, to discuss how AI in law is transforming the legal landscape and driving real-world innovation. From the impact of artificial intelligence on consumer rights, the legal system, and everyday life, this episode explores how AI is being used to help people push back against predatory business practices.

Episode #51 02.09.26

Listen

Our Guest Bruce Schneier Discusses

Is AI a Threat to Democracy? Bruce Schneier Explains What Comes Next

Bruce joins Geoff to explore one of the most important questions: Will AI strengthen democracy or quietly undermine it? From government services and public policy to cybersecurity, labor, and the justice system, Bruce breaks down how artificial intelligence acts as a power-magnifying technology, amplifying both the best and worst intentions of those who use it. Drawing from real-world examples in Germany, Brazil, Japan, France, Canada, and the United States, this conversation examines where AI is already reshaping democratic institutions. Bruce also outlines four concrete strategies for steering AI toward democratic outcomes: resisting harmful uses, reforming the AI ecosystem, responsibly deploying AI where it helps, and fixing the underlying societal problems AI tends to amplify.

Episode #50 02.02.26

Listen

Our Guest Walter Pasquarelli Discusses

Robots, AI Ethics, and the End of Thinking: Top Researcher on the State of AI in 2026

On this episode of Digital Disruption, we’re joined by internationally recognized advisor, speaker, and researcher on AI strategy, Walter Pasquarelli.

Episode #49 01.26.26

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Our Guest Nina Schick Discusses

The AI World Order: Nina Schick Reveals How AI Is Reshaping Global Order

On this episode of Digital Disruption, Nina Schick, geopolitical analyst and one of the world’s leading voices on AI, explains why we are entering the Age of Intelligence, where nonbiological intelligence may soon rival or surpass human intelligence, reshaping economics, warfare, democracy, labor, and global power structures.