The Domain Name System (DNS)—the system that turns numerical IP addresses into easy-to-read website names—has become highly competitive at the registrar level, with potentially harmful consequences when it comes to leasing domain names for criminal activities. Today, the DNS infrastructure is increasingly exploited for cybercrimes, such as phishing and scams. Why is ignoring the identity of the parties behind the crime more than just a technical DNS infrastructure abuse issue?

In this episode, Shane is joined by Karen Rose. Rose was an early architect of internet policy and has had a substantial impact on global web infrastructure as one of the primary Department of Commerce authors of the policy white paper that created the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and a senior executive at the Internet Society. Today, she consults on technology issues focused on securing the next generation of communications infrastructure.

As AI systems become central to our digital lives, questions about openness, competition, and user agency are moving to the forefront, and discussions surrounding AI agents have placed system interoperability in the spotlight. Ensuring AI system interoperability isn’t simply a technical challenge; it will determine how innovation unfolds in the AI age. How will AI agents reshape our relationship to personal data? And why is interoperability central to user freedom?

Shane Tews is joined by Matt Boulos, head of policy and safety at Imbue, on the latest episode of Explain to Shane. Together they explore the privacy implications of AI agents, how legislative efforts like Senator Mark Warner’s ACCESS Act could safeguard competition and user choice, and more.

As the domain name system expands, how can the industry ensure that this growth supports a multilingual and inclusive internet? What responsibilities come with managing such a critical layer of the internet’s infrastructure in an era of rapid digital transformation?

Shane Tews is joined by Ram Mohan, Chief Strategy Officer of Identity Digital, on the latest episode of Explain to Shane. They discuss how internationalized domain names and comprehensive policies can help create a more accessible web for users around the world. They also explore how the domain name system’s evolution intersects with broader Internet governance challenges—and what it means for the future of global connectivity.

Spectrum is a vital asset to America’s digital infrastructure, but who decides how this resource is distributed? As wireless demand accelerates, what is causing the United States to lag in spectrum policy and oversight? With the recent change in the Big Beautiful Bill to renew auction authority, how can we ensure that spectrum doesn’t become a roadblock to future innovation?

In this episode, Shane is joined by Harold Furchtgott-Roth, former commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission and currently a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. They examine the historical reasons behind America's rise—and subsequent decline—in spectrum innovation and discuss the policy reforms necessary to restore American leadership in this vital area.

What does the rise of generative AI mean for how we educate, train, and prepare for the future of work? And despite AI’s growing capabilities, why have institutions been so slow to respond to these changes and what will help them catch up with the growth of AI in new industries and educational forums?

On this episode of Explain to Shane, Shane Tews and AEI Senior Fellow Brent Orrell interview Bojan Tunguz, founder and CEO of TabulAI. They discuss why AI should be central to modern education and workforce development—and what needs to change to make that vision a reality.

AI is reshaping our world as profoundly as past technological revolutions: the printing press, the Industrial Age, and the Digital Revolution. Its rapid advancement presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant risks. How will AI affect industries, national economies, and global governance? How can businesses and policymakers ensure AI remains a tool for human progress rather than unchecked disruption or vice?

Join Shane Tews and Father Paolo Benanti, a theologian and ethicist for the Vatican on AI, for a thought-provoking interactive discussion that transcends traditional debates on values and policy to examine AI's broader psychological, philosophical, and even theological implications. This discussion will offer a unique perspective on balancing innovation and opportunities with ethical responsibility, ensuring AI remains human-centered.

Space-based satellite networks are transforming global connectivity, extending access to even the most remote corners of the planet. The rules that govern these networks have never been more critical. How does satellite spectrum actually function? Why is there an increasing need to revise the regulations that oversee it? And what are the key components of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) proposed reforms?

In this episode, Shane Tews is joined by Jay Schwarz, chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s space bureau. Together, they unpack the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and solicit comments regarding updates to satellite spectrum–sharing rules. The FCC will assess how these changes could affect competition between geostationary and nongeostationary satellite providers and examine the technical and policy challenges of implementing potential new regulations.

As social media platforms integrate personalization technology, questions around privacy, transparency, and user choice are becoming increasingly pronounced. What does personalization really mean for users? How do platforms like Facebook and Instagram decide what content or ads you see? And how can companies ensure that personalization enhances user experience without compromising data privacy?

In this episode, Shane Tews sits down with Rob Sherman, Vice President and Deputy Chief Privacy Officer for Policy at Meta. They take a look behind the curtain and discuss the mechanics behind personalization on Meta’s platforms, as well as how users can benefit from this technology. Rob shares insights from over a decade at Meta, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how personalization works and how platforms aim to make it more transparent and responsible.