Amid the U.S. House passing a bill this week that would ban TikTok, Bill Maher shared his thoughts on the controversial matter during the latest episode of HBO's Real Time. The bill, passed by a vote of 352-65, aims to ban the popular video app if its China-based owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell it due to concerns about national security. President Joe Biden has indicated he would sign the bill if it passes the Senate.
During the show, Maher highlighted the bipartisan support for the bill but questioned the focus on TikTok, suggesting there are more pressing issues in the country. He and his guests discussed the First Amendment and free speech concerns raised by the proposed ban, with some politicians opposing it on these grounds.
Congressman Ro Khanna emphasized the importance of free speech, while Congresswoman Nancy Mace raised concerns about government overreach in banning apps. Maher echoed these sentiments but shifted the conversation towards the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
Maher expressed his apprehension about the rise of AI and its implications for society, citing warnings from the U.S. State Department about the potential existential threat it poses. He criticized the rush to adopt AI without adequate safeguards, likening it to an arms race where humans are the test subjects.
The discussion on Real Time also touched on the impact of AI on various industries, including Hollywood, where concerns about job displacement have been raised. The conversation underscored the need for regulations and protections around the use of AI to mitigate its potential risks.
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder also appeared on the show, though his specific comments were not detailed in the transcript. The episode highlighted the complex interplay between technology, policy, and societal implications, urging a more nuanced approach to emerging technologies like AI.
