Matt Cohen welcomes Alex Alben, Co-Founder of Theo AI, to discuss his journey through media, law, tech policy, and AI, sharing insights into Theo AI’s mission to predict legal case outcomes, the impact of AI on law, and the ethical challenges AI poses. Alben reflects on balancing innovation with regulation and emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding.
About Alex Alben:
Alex Alben is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Theo AI, where he uses AI-driven analytics to assess legal case outcomes. With 20+ years in law, media, and technology, he also teaches Internet Law, Cybersecurity, and Privacy at UCLA. As Washington State's first Chief Privacy Officer, he developed data policies and helped guide strategies on emerging tech like drones and biometrics.
Previously, Alex held executive roles at RealNetworks, where he pioneered digital music and streaming while addressing copyright challenges. As General Counsel at Starwave, he helped launch ESPN.com and ABCNEWS.com. His background includes advising public and private sectors on data protection, and co-chairing Washington’s autonomous vehicle committee.
Alex earned his A.B. in Political Science and J.D. in copyright and international law from Stanford University.
In this conversation, we discuss:
(01:22) - Early Career at CBS: Working with Walter Cronkite, Alex describes how media responsibility and fact-checking shaped his approach to technology.
(09:30) - Real Networks: Alben reflects on pioneering media streaming, handling music piracy, and early digital media’s regulatory hurdles.
(14:19) - TerraPower and Tech Regulation: Working with Bill Gates’ TerraPower, Alex faced regulatory challenges in nuclear energy, shaping his perspective on tech regulation.
(16:38) - Washington Privacy Officer: As the first Chief Privacy Officer, he tackled privacy issues with drones and police body cameras, setting early standards.
(20:52) - AI and Regulation: Alex discusses parallels between regulating AI and earlier tech challenges, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful regulation.
(22:40) - Founding Theo AI: Theo AI’s mission is to predict legal outcomes to aid litigation decisions, providing law firms with data-driven insights.
(34:10) - Use Cases for Theo AI: Potential applications in litigation finance and law, helping firms decide on case investments with greater accuracy.
(39:02) - Impact of AI on Law: Comparing AI’s role in modernizing law with traditional practices, Alben highlights AI’s efficiency in document and case management.
(42:46) - Final Thoughts on Technology and Listening: Alex closes with the importance of deep listening and understanding in an AI-driven world, and how podcasts foster meaningful connection.
Fast Favorites
Podcast: Revolutions by Mike Duncan
Newsletter: Tech Policy Journal
Gadget: iPhone 11
Trend: Large language models (e.g., ChatGPT)
Book: Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
Life Lesson: “Never wake a sleeping child” – and the value of listening deeply.
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