The ZMI Podcasts

The ZMI Podcasts

The ZMI Podcasts

Zvi Meitar Institute examines the legal, social and ethical challenges associated with new and emerging technologies with the goal to promote innovation.

Image credit: AudioVersity

AI Factories - Who Will Power the Intelligence Revolution?

06/10/2026
Behind every AI prompt lies a world of advanced chips and enormous energy demands. As data centers evolve into AI factories, who will power them - and who will bear the costs?

Dr. Ben Haklai, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Israel joins this episode of the ZMI podcast and explores the physical infrastructure driving the AI revolution. He discusses the challenges of building these facilities, securing electricity, and addressing the concerns of neighboring communities. The conversation also examines the global race for computing power and what AI sovereignty really means. Can countries build independent AI capabilities, or will international partnerships prove essential?

Research Team: Nicole Sher, Evyatar Cohen, Noya Nahmani and Dorin Mirilashvili
Guest: Dr. Ben Haklai, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Israel
Research Partner: Singapore Management University
Executive Producer: Ayelet Triest
Professional Guidance: Professor Dov Greenbaum and Inbar Carmel
Produced by: Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies in Reichman University, in collaboration with AudioVersity.

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Cruising Down the Algorithmic Street - Where AI and Ethics Meet

15/09/2026
Autonomous vehicles are already driving hands-free, and cities are quietly deploying AI systems that control entire traffic grids - reading pedestrians, cars, and intersections in real time. But as machines take the wheel, who takes responsibility when something goes wrong?

In this podcast we dig into why the public holds autonomous vehicles to a stricter standard than human drivers, the cybersecurity risks of connected city infrastructure, the unresolved question of AI regulation, and a uniquely Israeli dilemma: can smart traffic systems ever be halachically compliant on Shabbat?

We speak with Dr. Mois Navon, a rabbi, engineer, and philosopher who spent years as a principal engineer at Mobileye and now serves as Israel's national adviser on artificial intelligence policy and regulation. His expertise brings together a unique point of view at the intersection between technology, law, and innovation.

Hosts: Zach Neppe and Tzoer Wichers
Guest: Dr. Mois Navon
Research Partner: Yamit Avisar
Executive Producer and Editor: Ayelet Triest
Professional Guidance: Mrs. Inbar Carmel and Professor Dov Greenbaum

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The Machine Knows You Better - AI and the Future of Guardianship

15/09/2026
What if a machine trained on your values, preferences, and lifetime of decisions could make better choices for you than a human guardian? Even if it could, should we let it?

We explore whether AI could one day become your legal guardian — who it would truly serve, whether the law could recognize it, and the unsettling question of when a model of you stops being a tool and starts becoming a version of you. We discuss autonomy, incapacity, and the future of decision-making with Professor Dov Greenbaum, Professor of Law and Technology and Director of the Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies at Reichman University. Dov is a licensed attorney and Certified Information Privacy Professional, holding a Ph.D. from Yale and a J.D. from UC Berkeley.

Hosts: Vered Negash and Eli Afik
Research Partner: Rotem Shechter
Executive Producer & Editor: Ayelet Triest
Professional Guidance: Mrs. Inbar Carmel and Professor Dov Greenbaum

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Who Do You Trust Now? AI, Evidence, and the Erosion of Belief

15/09/2026
Generative AI is reshaping what people trust, share, and what the law can prove. In this episode, we sit down with Dan Or-Hof, Israeli and New York attorney, founder of Or-Hof Law, and IAPP Country Leader for Israel, to explore AI’s growing impact on trust and evidence. From voice-cloning scams to fabricated military intelligence, the conversation asks whether existing laws can keep pace with technology that increasingly blurs the line between real and fake.

The discussion also examines privacy, free expression, AI regulation in Israel and the EU, and potential tools for authenticating digital content. It closes with a broader concern: as we increasingly outsource thinking to AI, the consequences may extend beyond law to our own judgment and confidence.

Hosts: Avigayil Finley and Elan Zashin
Research Partner: Danila Stepanov
Executive Producer: Ayelet Triest
Professional Guidance: Mrs. Inbar Carmel and Professor Dov Greenbaum

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Smart Textiles - Far Beyond Wearables

17/11/2025
What are smart textiles? Fabrics are learning to sense, react, and connect—turning garments into living interfaces. From hospital gowns that track vitals to military uniforms that help prevent heat stress and sportswear that coaches in real time, smart textiles are poised to transform healthcare, defense, industry, and everyday fashion. We also dive into active textiles—materials that adapt in real time to the wearer’s body by modulating temperature and compression, changing color or stiffness, delivering haptic cues, or powering micro-actuation. But as cloth becomes code, new questions emerge: Who owns data gathered at skin level? How do we keep these systems safe and reliable? And what are the legal, ethical, and social trade-offs when our clothes start to compute?

Our guest is Ori Topaz — managing director and researcher at CIRTex (the Israeli Center for Innovation and Research in Textiles, focused on advanced textile innovation) and senior lecturer at Shenkar’s design faculty.

Special guest: Ori Topaz
Hosts: Michal Bar Gil & Noam Ben Zimra
Research partner: Noam Meshulam
Executive Producer: Ayelet Triest
Editor: Ben Shani
Professional guidance: Mrs. Inbar Carmel and Professor Dov Greenbaum.

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PTSD and AI - Can Technology Be a Lifeline in Times of Crisis?

26/08/2025
In a world where war, displacement, and trauma affect millions, an AI platform called Kai.ai is offering a new kind of emotional support. It combines generative AI with a human clinical team to deliver real-time help for PTSD and anxiety through everyday messaging apps like WhatsApp. This raises important questions. Can a chatbot ever provide the warmth of a human therapist? How do we make sure private conversations stay truly private? And can this kind of technology expand access to care without replacing the professionals who give it?

We talk about these questions with Alex Frankel, CEO and co-founder of Kai.ai. With a background in psychology, experience running clinical teams, and years of work in AI-driven mental health, Alex shares his perspective on how technology can support healing while staying safe, effective, and personal.

Hosts: Korin Arbel and Samuel Snukal
Research partner: Amit Bendor-Gus
Executive Producer: Ayelet Triest
Editor: Ben Shani
Professional guidance: Mrs. Inbar Carmel and Professor Dov Greenbaum

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CRISPR - Should We Edit the Next Generation?

06/08/2025
CRISPR, the Nobel Prize winning technology, is revolutionizing genetic science. but its potential goes far beyond medicine. As we gain the ability to edit the human genome, new questions emerge: Who gets access? How do we decide what should be changed? And how do we harness a tool that could reshape society itself?

We discuss the future of genetic modifications with Professor Dov Greenbaum. With a Ph.D in genetics from Yale University, a Juris Doctorate from U.C. Berkeley, and Post-Doctorate from Stanford University, his expertise perfectly bridges genetics and law.

Hosts: Noa Mimram and Shachar Farber
Research partner: Shira Yaniv
Executive Producer: Ayelet Triest
Editor: Ben Shani
Professional guidance: Mrs. Inbar Carmel and Professor Dov Greenbaum

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Deepfake Hollywood - Will AI Revolutionize the film industry?

22/07/2025
AI and deepfake technology are shaking Hollywood to its core. resurrecting dead actors, cloning performances, and blurring the line between real and fake. Is this just another chapter in cinema’s evolution, or a true existential threat?

We interview Seth Hallen, former president of the Hollywood Professional Association and founding partner at Hallstone Ventures, sharing his expert perspective on the future of storytelling.

Hosts: Daniella Dayan and Matan Zahavi
Research partner: Yahel Ktoovim
Executive Producer: Ayelet Triest
Editor: Ben Shani
Professional guidance: Mrs. Inbar Carmel and Professor Dov Greenbaum.

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Personalized Medicine

12/08/2024
In this episode of the ZMI podcast, we delve into the cutting-edge realm of personalized medicine with the esteemed Professor Noam Shomron. As a trailblazer in genetic research, Professor Shomron sheds light on how our individual genetic profiles can shape customized healthcare treatments, heralding a future where medical care is precisely tailored to each patient. We explore the potential of genetic testing in disease prediction and prevention, the role of AI in uncovering complex genetic patterns, and the ethical and legal challenges of utilizing genetic data.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the future of healthcare, where personalized medicine promises treatments as unique as our DNA, offering a revolutionary approach to health and wellness.

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Open Source Intelligence

12/08/2024
In this episode of the ZMI Podcast, we explore the world of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and its implications in the digital age with Amit Weiss, VP of Intelligence at Darrow AI. Amit discusses the evolution of OSINT, its role in safeguarding society, and the ethical challenges it presents. From social media to government databases, and Darrow’s AI-driven detection of hidden legal violations, we uncover the complexities of modern intelligence gathering.

Join us as we delve into the balance between privacy, security, and ethical AI use, and discover how these technologies are revolutionizing the pursuit of justice and shaping our digital future.

 

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Geo-Engineering

12/08/2024
In this episode of the ZMI podcast, we explore the controversial and cutting-edge field of geo-engineering with Professor Oded Potchter from Tel Aviv University. The conversation focuses on two primary strategies to combat climate change: Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). We discuss the innovative yet contentious nature of geo-engineering, weighing its potential risks and benefits. Professor Potchter also highlights the importance of urban climate solutions, drawing on Israel’s historical and contemporary experiences in geo-engineering, and advocates for urban forestry as a key strategy for mitigating climate change.

The episode delves into the complexities and debates surrounding geo-engineering, calling for a balanced approach to technological innovation, education, and environmental stewardship.

 

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Anti-Aging Technologies

12/08/2024
In this episode of the ZMI Podcast, hosts Jessica and Libby dive into the fascinating and controversial world of anti-aging technologies. They discuss the pros and cons of striving for longer lives, addressing the ethical, social, and economic implications of these advancements. Joining them is Professor Michael Bar-Ilan, a renowned physician and ethics professor from Tel Aviv University. He offers a deep and nuanced perspective on aging, challenging the assumption that technology alone can extend our lifespans.

Listeners will explore the latest research, hear about the real impact of anti-aging practices, and consider the broader questions of what it means to live a good, fulfilling life. Can we truly reverse aging, and at what cost?

Tune in to find out.

 

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Anti-Satellite Technologies

12/08/2024
In this episode of the Zvi Meitar Podcast, hosts Niv Lasky and Tal Maschkowski delve into the vital subject of anti-satellite (ASAT) technologies with Dr. Gershon Hasin, a renowned authority in space law. Dr. Hasin sheds light on the legal and ethical dilemmas of militarizing space, along with the profound social ramifications. Tune in for insights into the shifting landscape of space governance, the influence of international law, and the crucial need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to secure a peaceful and sustainable future in space.

 

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Ai in HR

06/11/2023
In this episode, we talk about the role of Ai technology in human resources departments with Ohad Ivry is currently HRIS Product Manager at Playtika.   

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Quantum

06/11/2023
In this episode, we delve into the complex intersection of quantum computing and intellectual property law with our esteemed guest, Adv. Yoav Elkalay, a senior partner at Pearl Cohen International, leverages 20+ years of IP expertise to counsel clients globally on patent portfolios, monetization, and M&A IP due diligence.  Join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of quantum computing and its potential to revolutionize industries. With Adv. Elkalay's expertise, we explore some of the biggest legal questions in quantum computing. From patent protection to open-source quantum libraries, and many other challenges that lie ahead in protecting intellectual property in the quantum age.

The Quantum Team; Shira, Moria, and Yonatan.

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Metaverse

06/11/2023
Let's delve into the Metaverse, a concept that's more than just a buzzword! Uri Klempner hosts Dr. Jonathan Giron, co-director of Reichman University's Advanced Reality Lab. In this episode of the ZMI Podcast, they shed light on the transformative nature of the Metaverse. They unpack the intricacies of immersion and explore the potential shifts in human behavior in this new digital frontier.
How will we adapt, interact, and evolve in the metaverse of tomorrow? Tune in to find out.
We hope you enjoy!
Metaverse team, Amit, Elia and Uri.

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Space Tourism

06/11/2023
In this episode of the ZMI podcast, we rocket into the fascinating universe of civilian space tourism, looking at its legal, social, and ethical implications. Guiding our spacewalk through these cosmic concerns is Dr. Neta Palkowitz, a stellar space lawyer with a decade of intergalactic experience. Dr. Palkowitz takes us on a journey from the pioneering days of small satellites to the intricate dance of space treaties, the not-so-distant concerns of space debris, and environmental impact. As space vacations seem increasingly within reach, we tackle the big question: Are we ready, legally and ethically, to take the leap? Fasten your spaceship seatbelts for an episode that's truly out of this world!

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Carbon Trading

06/11/2023
In this episode of the ZMI podcast, we interview Gideon Vennor about the carbon trading and offsetting landscape, seeking to understand the challenges and potential of carbon markets as a solution or the climate crisis. Gideon is the Director of Research and development at ClimateNet, an environmental NGO seeking to accelerate and synergies efforts to mitigate the climate crisis.

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Mind Uploading

22/06/2022
Artificial intelligence seems to be the foundation of every developing technology in recent years, on this episode of the ZMI Podcast, we are diving deep into a conversation with Adi Diamant, Partner Director of Advanced Technology Labs at Microsoft Israel, on the fascinating topics of Artificial Intelligence, Responsible AI, bias, future innovations such as Mind Uploading, and the importance of ethics by design.

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Sustainable Fashion

21/06/2022
In this episode of the ZMI Podcast, Joe Kanner sits down with Mr. Amnon Shalev, CEO and co-founder of Virtuality.Fashion. They discuss how emerging technologies are disrupting the fashion industry, and how consumers and producers alike can aid in transforming a destructive industry into a more environmentally conscious one.

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Rules As Code

20/06/2022
Have you ever heard about anyone being held liable for robot abuse? Probably not. YET.
In this episode, we welcome you to take a futuristic dive into the realm of Rules as Code, and explore the potential possiblities that this technology holds for the new approach of designing, drafting and implementing legislation.
With the help of our expert Jason Morris, we will learn about what Rules as Code is, how it is meant to serve our society, and what are the implications we need to look out for.
Hope you enjoy your trip to the future!
Rules as Code team, Corrina, Michal, Tomer

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Digital Twin

20/06/2022
This podcast will discuss the emerging technology of Digital Twins in healthcare. Dr. Eldi Schonfeld, the CSO of Indolex, a company that aims to create personalized medicine for people suffering from treatment-resistant migraines and cluster headaches,  will be answering questions regarding the different challenges and barriers associated.

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Facial Recognition

20/06/2022
This episode of the ZMI Podcast is about Facial Recognition mainly focusing on the use of this technology in schools with children. We speak with our guest Ofer Ronen the head of Corsight AI's global business development. Before that, Ofer worked at Cortica as a head of Homeland Security and a board member at the Israel export institute. Ofer discusses the ethical implications of such a technology and how it is implemented in our lives today.

 

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