In this episode of the Mark and Ben show, the hosts delve into the landscape of AI policy and politics, particularly the shifting concerns in Washington D.C. Initially, there was significant worry about AI safety and the fear of a rapid, uncontrolled advancement. However, the conversation has now pivoted to more pressing issues, such as deepfakes and their potential misuse in elections and international relations. The podcast also addresses the ongoing struggle between fostering free innovation and managing the risks of unchecked technological growth, especially in light of the US-China tech rivalry. The speakers caution against rushing to regulate AI's foundational technologies, instead advocating for a focus on regulating harmful applications while preserving the US's decentralized and innovative ecosystem.