In this episode of Risk Insight Weekly Podcast, the discussion explores the transformative and often controversial role of technology across industries, from housing to music.
AI’s Impact on Housing: Rising Rents and Ethical Challenges
The episode opens with a critical analysis of AI tools like YieldStar, used to set rental rates. While these tools leverage market data to optimize pricing, they are driving up rents, especially in Canada, and raising legal and ethical concerns. Grassroots organizations and tenant unions are advocating for stricter regulations to ensure fairness and transparency.
Model Collapse: A Warning for AI Reliability
Next, the conversation turns to the risks of “model collapse,” where AI systems degrade due to reliance on their own outputs. This phenomenon threatens industries from finance to the creative sector. The solution lies in maintaining access to diverse datasets and implementing robust provenance systems to safeguard data integrity.
FRED: Revolutionizing Access to Economic Data
The podcast highlights the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) tool, praised for its accessibility and user-friendly design. With over 825,000 data series, it supports professionals, students, and international users alike. Planned enhancements promise to further expand its utility and appeal.
Spotify and the Ghost Artists Controversy
The episode concludes with a deep dive into Spotify’s commissioning of low-cost tracks from pseudonymous “ghost artists” to reduce royalty payouts. This practice impacts established musicians’ earnings and shifts listener engagement. Transparency and better support for genuine artists are cited as critical steps forward.
Read More
For a deeper dive into these pressing topics, listen to the full episode of Risk Insight Weekly Podcast and read the full blog posts. Gain invaluable insights into the intersection of technology, finance, and societal trends, and discover how innovation is reshaping industries and lives.
Canadian Landlords Leveraging AI to Drive Rent Increases – Risk Insight
The Hidden Danger of AI Training: Model Collapse in Generative Systems – Risk Insight
Why Everyone is Talking About FRED: America’s Favorite Data Tool – Risk Insight
The Hidden Costs of Music Streaming: The Rise of Ghost Artists on Spotify – Risk Insight
Five AI Trends to Watch in 2025: Beyond ChatGPT – Risk Insight
