The Corporate Capture of AI: Why Regulation Is Failing with Robert Weissman

About this episode

Corporate interests are rewriting the rules of AI before the public even gets a seat at the table.

In this episode, I sit down with Robert Weissman, Co-President of Public Citizen, to expose how Big Tech has systematically captured the regulatory process and turned AI governance into a profit protection scheme.

We dive into why voluntary commitments from tech giants are meaningless theater, how concentrated corporate power threatens innovation and competition, and why the revolving door between Silicon Valley and Washington has created a regulatory vacuum that serves shareholders over society.

Robert breaks down the surveillance business model that funds AI development, the national security implications of unchecked corporate control, and why antitrust enforcement is the missing piece in responsible AI deployment.

If you're building with AI, investing in tech, or simply concerned about who controls the most powerful technology of our generation, this conversation will fundamentally change how you view the AI landscape.

Tune in NOW: Corporate Power vs. Public Interest: Robert Weissman on How Big Tech Hijacked AI Regulation

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Robert Weissman is Co-President of Public Citizen, a nonprofit organization with over 500,000 members dedicated to defending democracy, resisting corporate power, and ensuring government works for the people. With decades of experience in corporate accountability, antitrust policy, and regulatory reform, Robert has been at the forefront of battles against corporate monopolies, from Big Pharma to Big Tech. He's a leading voice on AI regulation, data privacy, and the intersection of technology and democracy. Robert's work exposes how corporate lobbying undermines public interest and advocates for policies that distribute power and innovation benefits equitably.

Website: https://www.citizen.org/about/person/robert-weissman/ Organization: https://www.citizen.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-weissman-026486264/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/robert_weissman

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630 X (Twitter): https://x.com/bytewisepodcast