What does it take to stay in control of your life online? AI ethicist Jen Golbeck and TED Fellow Shalini Kantayya discuss how algorithms, data collection and AI shape the choices you make every day. They explore whether it’s possible to use the internet without giving up your privacy, how to push back against big tech and what AI should never be allowed to decide. (This episode is part of “Idea Knock Down,” a series featuring experts with different perspectives taking on big questions — one block at a time.) (Recorded on June 12, 2026)
0:00 – Idea Knock Down
0:58 – Manipulated by an algorithm?
1:26 – What should AI never decide?
2:05 – Your data = your property?
2:46 – How to push back against big tech?
3:57 – How to keep privacy on the internet?
4:54 – A better internet
6:27 – What is democracy?
7:02 – Mystery question
Join us in person at a TED conference:
Become a TED Member to support our mission:
Subscribe to a TED newsletter:
Follow TED!
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
TikTok:
Facebook:
X:
The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less) — plus originals, podcasts and exclusive content. Look for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design as well as science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit for our entire library, transcripts, translations and personalized recommendations.
TED videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with the TED Talks Usage Policy: . For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a request at
#TED #TEDTalks #AI
@ImaginativeFlow
July 7, 2026 at 11:09 am
yes, I feel manipulated by Algorithms, because I see TED on my timeline, but dont even like this channel.
@agreenmachine
July 7, 2026 at 11:20 am
No likey learning?
@riuphane
July 7, 2026 at 2:01 pm
If you don’t like it, why did you watch and comment?
@welcome.421
July 7, 2026 at 11:10 am
TED | Help me for better again 🙏🏼 only you are one person who understands the internet.. try and try again to understand me please 🥺 for understanding and for everything, we say thank you, TED—we need you🙏🏼
@thierryvankerm8474
July 7, 2026 at 11:23 am
Everyday…
@IkeyAjavon
July 7, 2026 at 11:37 am
I love this conversation. Hearing their perspective on big tech and the world we *could* have without sacrificing privacy is very refreshing.
@satamsi
July 7, 2026 at 1:39 pm
0:13
@riuphane
July 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm
I think the conversation and questions are great, but we didn’t need Jenga to make it happen and I think it detracts from everything for me…
@KMHill
July 7, 2026 at 4:20 pm
Thought the very same.
@Ashley11Noel
July 7, 2026 at 9:03 pm
True
@gzanellip
July 8, 2026 at 9:17 am
Exactly! 💯
@homewall724
July 7, 2026 at 3:05 pm
No, tech companies cannot force anything on you. You are describing the rulers you submit to because you think democracy means being allowed to vote for one of two rulers offered by the two ruling parties. Liberty is the solution, not government, which is the only surveillance that’s creepy and can land you dead or in a cage or having your property extorted.
@stevenporter863
July 7, 2026 at 3:40 pm
Yes, tech companies can not force anything on you. But if you don’t accept you can get locked out of society and doing anything. Like your boss can’t force you to work either, but if the boss stops paying you, you don’t eat and can’t pay your mortgage/rent.
@homewall724
July 7, 2026 at 3:07 pm
So humans have emotions, but they are broken and lacking grace because of tools like AI? No, humans actually are violent, thieving, lying entities. When they are offered the choice of dealing with another person directly and in person, they choose texting, online or self-checkout.
@emme1865
July 7, 2026 at 4:48 pm
@homewall724 I am so sorry you feel that way. I am so sorry someone hurt you. I hope you also experience kindness.
@lisahansson2605
July 8, 2026 at 2:03 am
I am human and I don’t match that description. Whatever happened to you to make you this distrustful and bitter, I hope you can heal from and meet some good people.
@xyandzhandler
July 7, 2026 at 4:47 pm
Windows is 100% spying and selling all your data!!! Using global identifier they know everything you do and where you go. They sell the data to anyone anywhere
@jf-jx4ym
July 7, 2026 at 6:53 pm
GDPRS
RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN
RIGHT TO CONTROL ERASE AND SEE DATA
RIGHT TO BAN USE, FORFEITING AND SALE OF DATA
These ofc are impossible or even harmful to many…might erase evidence of a crime or other foolery too for instance. Parts of your history.
Or potentially useful service provider using data to your best interest or benefit. If honest smart market capitalism is still alive.
Utlizing these would erase parts of ones life altogether. Which is problem…
And once data is mined its forever somewhere usually… At least as metadata..
Sold, given, reformed, compiled into a new dataset over and over again to avoid the above rights infringing and laws.
Selling to insurance, healthcare, sales organisations, government whoever. Unbeknownst to you.
Much like usual databases and their use.
@Ashley11Noel
July 7, 2026 at 9:11 pm
💯 I completely agree with the Q’s and A’s 👏👏👏
However, the Jenga game was pointless.. It just added a few monotonous minutes to the video
@Aeonhem
July 7, 2026 at 9:38 pm
6:35 she means AI, not the state of Isreal… Which is interesting
@CenturyWisdom-q5w
July 8, 2026 at 12:59 am
This video stirred deep vulnerability about our privacy but grounded me in human imperfection. Jen explaining at [07:38] how AI cannot feel grief or love was deeply moving. Algorithms may surveil us, but they can’t replicate our genuine hearts
@pkindia5632
July 8, 2026 at 2:22 am
I recently came across this excerpt from Atomic Habits by James Clear, and it’s a powerful reminder of how micro-actions compound over time.
Before becoming an author and speaker, James Clear suffered a catastrophic injury in high school, being placed into a medical coma. When he arrived at Denison University, he couldn’t control everything, but he could control his daily routines.If you’re looking to reset your routines or need a reminder of the power of consistency,
@mariaantoniettamontella9173
July 8, 2026 at 5:34 am
brave
@KlausMueller
July 8, 2026 at 6:41 am
1:40 But this is, what AI already did – since years.
@clivesmith9377
July 8, 2026 at 3:02 pm
All Laws and Rules need interpretation for all individual cases
using Human critical thinking with empathy.
Machines won’t have that for some time
and that makes them deadly dangerous.
@okanime1
July 8, 2026 at 6:24 pm
This treats Ai and Algorithms as if its independent of the human bias that created them. Humans do the same thing. Now its just more efficient and rapid.
@okanime1
July 8, 2026 at 6:25 pm
4:12 – the answer is no.
@okanime1
July 8, 2026 at 6:31 pm
5:04 – End social media completely not just for kids. If that’s not possible, at least kill infinite scroll, remove algorithmic newsfeed bring back chronological newsfeed, time limit usage on social media – forced lock out after an hour of use. Do this for all ages. globally regardless.
@Steve-es3fc
July 8, 2026 at 8:31 pm
This format is awful. And 2 minutes in they’re not talking about the title at all. Bugger this, and these terrible presenters, I’m out.
@gabrielapomabernal2478
July 8, 2026 at 9:48 pm
I felt really vulnerable while assuming the imperfection of beingn human, messy and imperfect.
@divineolisah2930
July 9, 2026 at 8:29 am
❤
@cheersmodreams691
July 9, 2026 at 2:35 pm
The only algorithm that manipulates me is my own brain, with its attachment to ego, opinions, and that life-long collection of filters that define my reality. I believe that because I’m aware of this (through meditation and mindfulness), I’m able to reduce its impact.
@Secondone-l9x
July 9, 2026 at 3:57 pm
We need a free open source public option (NO ads. EVER) for social media and digital communication, one that mirrors the risks and benefits of real life (real identity on the backend).
Moderating dispersed like jury duty, with actual lawyers for complex cases.
The “Safe Space” as foretold.
Yes, regulate the tech companies, but we need a boring and basic public space (like a sandbox or park) for people to learn and practice privacy and good digital hygiene. Most people can’t even comprehend an internet that isn’t in your face constantly trying to sell you something or monopolize your attention. I think 99% of people today would love to be real online, if it didn’t come with spam or harassment, but instead meant actually connecting with your local/regional/national/international community.
@walkingshrimp
July 10, 2026 at 1:14 pm
James May?
@stopcrookedsupport6432
July 10, 2026 at 5:31 pm
Far away from Democracy.
Hello from Netherlands Decomposition Amsterdam City Amsterdam
@NartakiRadhaDevidasi
July 11, 2026 at 10:07 am
AI is being built by those who lack morals, empathy, or any compassion for any other living being than themselves. I see AI being a catalyst for bringing us back together as humans living in a messy world can enter into spaces where empathy and shared experiences shine brightly. this is what I am bringing into the world.