Judges using AI, Trump's Intel U-turn and Musk takes aim at Apple

·21 min·2 clips

JJ Clark and Katie Byrne admit they'd choose AI over a human judge if they were innocent, arguing it's more equitable.

This episode of The Big Tech Show, hosted by JJ Clark with guest Katie Byrne, the Money Editor at The Irish Independent, examines three major tech news stories. They analyze Elon Musk's legal threat against Apple, the emerging use of AI by U.S. judges, and Donald Trump's rapid reversal on Intel's CEO. Elon Musk's startup, xAI, announced plans to sue Apple for allegedly breaching antitrust rules by manipulating App Store rankings to favor OpenAI's ChatGPT. Musk's Grok AI app is currently ranked fifth, while ChatGPT holds the top position. The hosts reference a recent Australian court ruling against Apple and Google in a case involving Fortnite as a potential legal precedent. Katie Byrne questions whether Musk's move is a publicity stunt to raise awareness for Grok. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, responded on X by alleging Musk manipulates his own platform to benefit his companies. When asked, ChatGPT provided a skeptical analysis of Musk's legal chances, while Grok offered a more nuanced perspective. Apple was recently fined 500 million euros by European regulators for restricting developers. The discussion on judges using AI cites specific cases, including a federal judge in New Jersey who reissued an order riddled with AI-generated errors. A judge in Mississippi refused to explain mistakes in his order that resembled AI hallucinations. The hosts note AI is used for legal research and drafting but carries risks of inaccuracy. Federal Judge Xavier Rodriguez points out that human lawyers and judges have long been prone to their own errors and biases. JJ Clark poses a hypothetical about choosing between an AI verdict or the luck of drawing a notoriously tough or lenient human judge. Both hosts state that, if innocent, they would prefer an AI judge for its perceived equity and parity. The final topic covers Donald Trump's meeting with Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, days after Trump had called for his resignation over ties to Chinese firms. Intel's share price rose three percent following the reported meeting. The hosts describe the five-day turnaround as a dramatic flip-flop that resembles a "fealty test" or a scene from *Game of Thrones*. They speculate whether charm, promises on tariffs, or Intel's status as a protected American company influenced the reversal. The conversation touches on the broader uncertainty this creates in global politics and foreign direct investment. The tone is conversational and analytical, featuring a back-and-forth dialogue between the host and guest as they explore each topic's complexities. The style is informal yet informative, blending news summary with speculative commentary. Listeners interested in the business and legal conflicts between major tech giants like Apple, Musk, and OpenAI would enjoy this episode. Those curious about the practical and ethical implications of AI in high-stakes fields like the judiciary would also find it relevant. Listeners seeking deeply technical explanations or those averse to political discussion surrounding figures like Donald Trump might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

A measured look at AI in courts, platform power, and political leverage.

This episode ties three familiar flashpoints together: AI moving into courtrooms, Musk taking aim at Apple, and Trump's Intel turn looking less like policy than leverage.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

For when you want judges using AI, an App Store fight, and a Trump Intel U-turn in one sitting.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Big Tech Show