The companies warning the world that AI needs to slow down are the same ones still selling access to it. Matthew de Mota, research director at the Canadian Shield Institute, untangles how much of that warning is genuine and how much doubles as a pitch for how powerful, and expensive, these tools really are.

Somewhere between the two extremes sits a real risk: tools capable of scanning an entire system for weaknesses can just as easily be pointed at breaking one instead. De Mota lays out what that looks like when the target shifts from a company's servers to a power grid or a water system.

Most people are using a version of these tools that barely resembles what's being tested behind closed doors. De Mota draws the actual line between the two, and explains why it matters more now than it has in previous years.

Topics: AI risk, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, AI regulation, frontier technology

GUEST: Matthew de Mota

Originally aired on 2026-09-14

The companies warning the world that AI needs to slow down are the same ones still selling access to it. Matthew de Mota, research director at the Canadian Shield Institute, untangles how much of that warning is genuine and how much doubles as a pitch for how powerful, and expensive, these tools really are.
Somewhere between the two extremes sits a real risk: tools capable of scanning an entire system for weaknesses can just as easily be pointed at breaking one instead. De Mota lays out what that looks like when the target shifts from a company's servers to a power grid or a water system.
Most people are using a version of these tools that barely resembles what's being tested behind closed doors. De Mota draws the actual line between the two, and explains why it matters more now than it has in previous years.
Topics: AI risk, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, AI regulation, frontier technology
GUEST: Matthew de Mota
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-14

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.