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.