reSee.it Podcast Summary
Senator Kamala Harris, the first African American woman elected as California's Attorney General and the second African American woman in the U.S. Senate, discusses her career and insights on technology and public safety. She emphasizes the importance of state and local governments in tech policy, highlighting her experience in Silicon Valley and the challenges of updating regulations for emerging technologies. Harris advocates for innovation while ensuring public safety, arguing for a shift from punitive approaches to smart crime prevention.
She shares her experience with California's open data initiative, "Open Justice," which made criminal justice data publicly available, revealing significant disparities in incarceration rates. Harris stresses the need for government to adopt technology for transparency and efficiency, noting that collaboration with the private sector can lead to better outcomes.
In her Senate role, she seeks bipartisan solutions, particularly in immigration reform, and highlights the importance of understanding technology's role in national security and cybersecurity. Harris also addresses issues like cyber exploitation, advocating for new legislation to protect victims. She believes in bridging divides between Washington and Silicon Valley to foster effective public policy.