The AI Power Backlash, the NYMag David Ellison profile, Google Personal Intelligence | Diet TBPN - TBPN Recap

Podcast: TBPN

Published: 2026-01-15

Duration: 30 minutes

Summary

The episode dives into the political and environmental backlash against AI data centers, profiles David Ellison's rise in Hollywood, and explores Google's new personal intelligence initiative. It also touches on trademarking as a defense against AI deepfakes.

What Happened

Microsoft is facing political backlash over the increased energy consumption and subsequent power price hikes caused by their AI data centers. With electricity costs comprising 40% of their operational expenses, Microsoft aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, despite owning over 400 data centers worldwide. This issue is gaining bipartisan opposition, with 55% of Republicans and 45% of Democrats expressing concerns.

Donald Trump has voiced his thoughts on Truth Social, advocating for measures to prevent tech companies from driving up utility bills for Americans. The discussion highlights a projected 67% increase in wholesale electricity prices near data centers by 2025, further fueling the backlash against tech giants like Microsoft.

David Ellison is emerging as a significant player in Hollywood, leveraging support from his father, Larry Ellison, to establish Skydance, which has financed blockbuster films like 'Top Gun: Maverick' and the 'Mission Impossible' series. Larry Ellison's $6 billion contribution enabled David to acquire Paramount, making him the first millennial to control a major Hollywood studio.

Google's Gemini, a personal intelligence system, integrates with existing Google apps to provide personalized responses. This development is part of Google's strategy to reassert itself in the AI space, competing with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, who collectively spent over $700 million on advertising in the US last year.

Matthew McConaughey is taking an innovative legal approach to combat unauthorized AI fakes by trademarking his likeness. With eight trademark applications approved, McConaughey aims to prevent AI apps from using his voice or image without permission, setting a precedent for other celebrities facing similar challenges.

The episode also touches on the luxury brand Hermes, which is allegedly scrutinizing clients' personal information to prevent unauthorized resale of their products. This practice sheds light on the lengths to which brands will go to maintain exclusivity and control over their product distribution.

Lastly, speculation surrounds the potential cost of an OpenAI device, with estimates reaching as high as $30,000, indicating the high stakes and investment in AI technology.

Key Insights

• Microsoft's AI data centers are driving a projected 67% increase in wholesale electricity prices near their locations by 2025, with electricity costs making up 40% of their operational expenses. This has led to bipartisan political backlash in the U.S., with 55% of Republicans and 45% of Democrats expressing concerns.
• David Ellison, supported by a $6 billion contribution from his father Larry Ellison, has acquired Paramount, making him the first millennial to control a major Hollywood studio. His company, Skydance, has financed major films like 'Top Gun: Maverick' and the 'Mission Impossible' series.
• Google's Gemini is a personal intelligence system designed to integrate with existing Google apps to provide personalized responses. This initiative is part of Google's strategy to compete with AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, which collectively spent over $700 million on U.S. advertising last year.
• Matthew McConaughey is setting a legal precedent by trademarking his likeness to combat unauthorized AI-generated fakes. With eight trademark applications approved, this move aims to prevent AI apps from using his voice or image without permission.