The Owl Explains Hootenanny
Ep 7: Can blockchain solve AI's trust problem?
AI is taking the world by storm, but the opaque nature of its algorithms has also raised concerns about the reliability and the fairness of the output it generates, as well as the potential for the technology itself to be used for malicious purposes. There is a trust issue for artificial intelligence which needs to be resolved – not only for ethical reasons, but also because regulators need to look into AI’s "black boxes" to understand how they work. Thanks to its transparent, open-source nature and its strong focus on auditability, blockchain has the potential to act as a decentralized, encryption-based guardrail for AI systems. Listen to Shawn Helms, co-head of McDermott Will & Emery’s technology and outsourcing practice, discuss the intersection of AI and blockchain with: Anne Gressel, Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton and member of its fintech and technology practice; Erwin Voloder, Head of Policy at the European Blockchain Association, and Kai Zenner, Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for Member of the European Parliament Axel Voss.
Ep 6: Is the UK on track to become a global hub for crypto?
The UK government has declared it wants the UK to be a global hub for crypto - how is that journey going? We talk to Dr Lisa Cameron MP who is at the heart of policy and regulatory discussions on crypto and blockchain in the UK to find out. In her role as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Crypto and Digital Assets, Lisa recently published a report with over 50 recommendations on what needs to happen for the UK to achieve its ambition. She concludes the UK needs to act fast to keep up with the EU that is already benefitting from first mover advantage. The discussion is hosted by Owl Explains team member Emma Pike. Listen to find out more.
Ep 5: What is a Subnet?
Blockchain still faces a number of different technology bottlenecks that are related to the complexity of its underlying infrastructure, its scalability, and the speed of its consensus mechanisms. Subnets are part of Ava Labs’ innovative approach to solve these issues. By taking a blockchain and splitting it into multiple parallel blockchains that operate at the same time and within the same ecosystem, subnets make it possible for anyone to create their own blockchain, tweak it to whatever project, and have it comply with possible any regulatory framework. Our wise owl Sylvia Sanchez, Product Manager at Owl Explains, talks with Connor Daly, Software Engineer at Ava Labs – also known as the man with the most cats in crypto – about the advantages of subnets, how easy and quick it can be to start one, and how they ultimately contribute to increasing further adoption and spurring further innovation. Plus, Connor gives us a glimpse into his pet feeding routines and his plans for enlarging the extended family to more foster animals.
Ep 4: What's the missing link in blockchain education?
Olta Andoni (General Counsel at Enclave Markets) spoke with Donna Redel (professor of blockchain and digital assets at Wharton) and Thibault Schrepel (professor of law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) on the growing interest from students in US and in Europe on Web3 technologies, and on how universities have been weaving new courses into their curricula. Our wise owls also discussed how furthering education can unlock new job opportunities within the industry, and help policymakers from both sides of the Atlantic work together to develop global, comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto.
Ep 3: What’s next for blockchain policy in the EU & the US?
Lee Schneider (Chief owl and Ava Labs General Counsel) talks to policy experts from the key blockchain trade associations on both sides of the Atlantic to find out what's next for blockchain and crypto policy and a few simple things policymakers could get done this year Tune in for the lowdown on the discussions that are shaping the policy and regulatory framework for web3, straight from our expert guests who are in the thick of it all.
Ep 2: Why the US needs a framework to regulate digital assets
Why is the CFTC is an appropriate regulator for digital assets? Why is principles-based regulation better than prescriptive regulation for innovative markets? Why is it essential to create a framework to classify tokens sensibly? How can the SEC and CFTC potentially work together on such a framework? What does the global perspective look like? How does this all tie to The Tree of Web3 Wisdom?. The podcast was moderated by Olta Andoni, General Counsel of Enclave Markets.
Ep 1: 5 principles to guide policymakers
Join us as Lee Schneider, chief Owl and General Counsel of Ava Labs, introduces the Tree of Wisdom - 5 branches to guide policymakers thinking about how to regulate blockchain and web3. Read more about the Tree of Wisdom here. The session will be moderated by Emma Pike of H+K Strategies.