Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott on how AI can save the web, not destroy it - podcast episode cover

Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott on how AI can save the web, not destroy it

Decoder with Nilay Patel
May 19, 2025•1 hr 11 min
--:--
--:--
Listen in podcast apps:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Download
YouTube
Overcast
Pocket Casts
Episodes.fm
Download Metacast podcast app
Listen to this episode in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Summary

Kevin Scott, Microsoft CTO, discusses the future of search and the web with Nilay Patel, focusing on Microsoft's new open-source tool for AI-powered natural language search and the Model Context Protocol (MCP). They explore the potential of an 'agentic web' where AI agents can interact with websites in a standardized, controlled manner, touching on business models, copyright issues, and the relationship between technology and art. Kevin also shares insights on the evolving AI landscape and Microsoft's partnerships.

Episode description

Today, I’m talking with Kevin Scott, the chief technology officer of Microsoft, and one of the company’s AI leaders. Kevin is one of my favorite repeat Decoder guests, and he joined the show this time to talk about the future of search. 

Microsoft just announced an open-source tool for websites to integrate AI powered natural language search with just a little bit of effort, in a way that lets them actually run whatever models they want and keep control of their data. I saw some demos before Kevin and I chatted, and the improvements over the bad local search on most sites was obvious. So we talked about what this will mean for AI, for search engines, and for the future of the web. 


Links: 

  • Microsoft’s plan to fix the web: letting every website run AI search for cheap | Verge
  • Microsoft Build 2025: news and announcements from the developer conference | Verge
  • Introducing the Model Context Protocol | Anthropic
  • Copyright Office head fired after reporting AI training isn’t always fair use | Ars Technica
  • Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott on how AI and art will coexist in the future | Decoder
  • Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott thinks Sydney might make a comeback | Decoder
  • Microsoft’s CTO explains how AI can help health care in the US right now | Vergecast


Transcript: https://www.theverge.com/e/669409


Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. This episode was edited by Xander Adams. 

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android