Ep 15. June 16, 2019

In the latest installment of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the host delves into various topics as he does every week. In this episode, John Oliver starts by discussing the rising popularity of facial recognition technology, which has now become ubiquitous across the world. To demonstrate just how powerful the technology can be, the show uses a video clip of a man stealing a loaf of bread from a convenience store, and then getting caught by the facial recognition software. John also explores how large corporations are using this technology to market their products, and how it could lead to unethical practices in advertising.

The second segment is about China and its people, as John Oliver talks about the increasing oppression of the Uighur Muslim population. The Chinese authorities have continued to deny that they are oppressing the Uighur people and have even gone as far as setting up re-education camps to train those who refuse to abandon their beliefs. John also points out that many of the companies that are popular in America, such as Apple and Amazon, are heavily invested in China, which could signal a reluctance to speak out against the Chinese government.

The third segment is about statehood for Puerto Rico, which has been a talking point in politics for quite some time now. John points out that even though Puerto Rico is an American territory, its people cannot vote in presidential elections, and they have never been given the chance to choose statehood or independence. Despite the island being hit with disasters such as Hurricane Maria and a financial crisis, the Trump administration has refused to allocate enough money to address these issues. As such, John argues that the time has come for Puerto Rico to be given a choice about its future.

The last segment of the show is about the role of artificial intelligence in the modern world, particularly in the job market. John points out that AI is replacing many jobs, which poses a significant concern for the future of work. He also explores how AI is being used to analyze how people interact with media and to shape our opinions. This ties in with the earlier segment about facial recognition technology and how it could be used to target advertising towards certain consumers based on their facial features. John concludes by urging viewers to think more critically about the role of AI in society.

Overall, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver episode for June 16, 2019, is another insightful and thought-provoking episode from the host. The topics covered are varied and relevant to the current state of society, particularly in regards to technology, politics, and the workplace. With his trademark humor and cynicism, John Oliver continues to entertain viewers while also providing a unique perspective on some of the most pressing issues of our time.