The Times Tech Podcast
The Times Tech Podcast
The Sunday Times
China vs USA: Should Trump ban open-source AI?
36 minutes Posted Jul 30, 2026 at 11:01 pm.
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Show notes

A fierce debate is taking place between Silicon Valley and Washington right now. 


After the release of KIMI K3 – China’s cheaper and powerful AI model – the Trump administration is showing signs of restricting open-source AI to maintain control over the technology. 


Danny Fortson and Mark Sellman, Tech Correspondent for The Times, discuss why tech bosses are worried, what it could mean for America’s lead in AI and whether open-source models could speed up the race to superintelligence. 


They also hear from Connor Leahy, CEO of AI safety research company Conjecture, who explains why frontier AI isn't just a superpower – it’s a superweapon.


Should Trump ban open-source models? Get in touch: [email protected] 


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Producer: Marnie Duke 

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Video Producer: Bronwen Latham

Image: Getty


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