In this compelling episode of RegulatingAI, Sanjay Puri discusses with Roberta Cocco—Digital Transformation Advisor, University Professor and Board Member—to discuss why human oversight in AI is essential for preserving democracy and civic trust.

🔍 Key Takeaways:
~ How AI can both empower and threaten democratic institutions
~ The risk of obscured accountability in automated decision-making
~ Why explainability and auditability must be embedded into governance frameworks

Roberta’s firsthand experience in digitising Milan’s public services
With insights from her roles at Microsoft, the Italian government, and academia, Roberta argues that “AI should never replace human responsibility—it should enable it.”

🎧 Essential listening for policymakers, civic technologists, and digital ethicists.

Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertacocco/

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro to Roberta Cocco
01:45 – Welcome to the Regulating AI Podcast
03:15 – How AI Affects Democracy and Citizen Engagement
05:50 – The Strengths and Gaps of the EU AI Act
10:35 – Balancing Innovation and Regulation in Europe
14:25 – Growing Italy’s AI Ecosystem with Public-Private Partnerships
17:50 – Should AI Rules Differ for Startups vs Large Companies?
22:45 – Equitable AI Access & Gender Inclusion in Tech
29:30 – Addressing Big Tech Concentration in AI
34:40 – Lessons from Milan for Cities in the Global South
40:25 – Governance Challenges in AI Implementation
43:45 – ⚡ Lightning Round: Roberta’s Policy Preferences
45:30 – Closing Thoughts: Human-Centred, Inclusive AI Governance

About Host:
Sanjay Puri is a recognised authority on US-India relations. He serves as the Chairman of the US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), a national, bipartisan political action committee representing Indian-Americans. He is also the founder of the Alliance for US India Business (AUSIB), an organization dedicated to strengthening economic ties between the US and India. He is also a successful technology entrepreneur, mentor, and investor.

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