# Key Points The podcast "Haken dran" is a social media update from CT, in which Thorsten Weg (Editor-in-Chief of Heise Media) and Kevin discuss current developments in the tech and social media world within the framework of re:publica 2025. The episode deals with various topics surrounding the major tech companies and their entanglements with politics and regulation. ### 1. Grok AI is to be used for government data Musk's AI chatbot Grok is to be used for processing US government data. According to various media outlets, the "Department of Government Efficiency" under Musk's leadership has read and interpreted government data using Grok AI. This poses a problematic conflict of interest. "That's the absolute opposite of Responsible AI. It's just error-prone, somehow ideologically biased. There's this conflict of interest from someone who works for the government and at the same time offers a tool." ### 2. Meta reorganizes AI teams Meta is completely reorganizing its AI team because the company is dissatisfied with the speed and efficiency of development. According to an internal memo, Chief Product Officer Chris Cox is planning a new structure consisting of an AI product team and an AGI Foundation unit. "We're under pressure. It's just not moving as fast as we imagined. And OpenAI is somehow quite strong against us right now. We're the underdog for the first time." ### 3. EU launches investigations against porn platforms and TikTok The EU Commission has launched investigations against Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and X-Videos because they lack suitable age verification systems. Additionally, TikTok is being investigated due to the trend "Skinny Talk," which is about rapid weight loss. "I'm a bit torn on these age verification issues because I also don't think the internet with ID is that cool." ### 4. Tesla loses significant market share in Europe Tesla sales in Europe have plummeted by 52.6% compared to the previous year. In April, only 5,475 new Teslas were registered in the EU. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers like BYD are increasingly gaining a foothold in the European market. "These numbers show that people just don't feel like driving a Tesla anymore. That's bitter for the company, but also fair." ### 5. Meta-FTC trial nears its end The trial between the Federal Trade Commission and Meta has entered its final phase. Judge John Boasberg must now decide whether Meta has built and exploited a monopoly position when the company acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. "In the end, everything will be decided by how the market situation is perceived, i.e., how it's understood who is actually Meta's real competition." ## Breakdown The podcast offers a competent overview of current developments in the tech industry, with a critical examination of concentrations of power and conflicts of interest taking center stage. In particular, the discussion about Elon Musk's dual role as government advisor and AI provider is conducted in a factual but critically nuanced manner. The speakers avoid polemical exaggerations, but clearly identify the potential threats to democracy. Notable is the nuanced consideration of regulatory issues: On the one hand, EU regulatory measures are generally welcomed, but on the other hand, their practical limitations are also reflected – for example, in the area of age verification or the control of problematic social media trends. This highlights the tension between technical possibilities, data protection, and effective youth protection. The discussion remains largely within the Western tech discourse, with Chinese companies primarily perceived as competitors to Western firms. However, the socio-political implications are not only considered from a corporate perspective but also with regard to democratic values and societal impact. The podcast thus conveys an informative picture of current digital policy developments with a clear democratic stance. Listening recommendation: For anyone looking for a well-founded, critical overview of current tech developments and their socio-political implications without having to struggle through complex technical details.