Silicon Valley’s Newest Bad Idea, Vigilantes Infiltrate the Far Right, and Should We Buy Infowars?
Oct 6, 2024
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Jane Coaston, host of Crooked's What A Day, and David Kirkpatrick, a New Yorker correspondent, dive into the latest tech mishaps. They discuss Silicon Valley's struggles with smart glasses and the alarming implications of genetic data sharing through services like 23andMe. The conversation takes a thrilling turn as Kirkpatrick reveals how left-wing vigilantes are infiltrating far-right groups, confronting the complexities of tackling extremism while navigating the chaotic world of online scams and misinformation.
Silicon Valley's renewed push for smart glasses faces skepticism due to privacy issues and past consumer disinterest in similar products.
The rise of left-wing vigilantes infiltrating far-right groups highlights a growing distrust in law enforcement's ability to combat extremism.
23andMe's drastic financial decline raises urgent concerns about genetic privacy as it considers selling sensitive consumer data amid leadership turmoil.
Deep dives
Half-Price Pizza Week at Domino's
During the promotional event known as Half-Price Pizza Week, Domino's offers customers a significant discount of 50% off all menu-priced pizzas. This limited-time offer is available exclusively for online orders at participating locations and runs until October 6th. The promotion highlights how enticing such deals can be when compared to full-price options. This kind of marketing demonstrates the effectiveness of timely discounts in driving customer interest and sales.
Rise of Left-Wing Vigilantes
Investigative efforts into the emergence of left-wing vigilantes have revealed a dynamic counterforce to far-right extremist groups online. These vigilantes often employ unconventional tactics to infiltrate, expose, and undermine extremist organizations, showcasing a complex landscape of political activism. Many left-wing actors believe that traditional law enforcement is insufficiently addressing the rise of extremist violence, leading them to take matters into their own hands. This development evokes a 'spy versus spy' dynamic, where each side attempts to outmaneuver the other in a battle of ideologies.
The Challenges Facing Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI, face significant obstacles in responding to political violence and extremism due to First Amendment protections. This legal framework complicates the ability to monitor or take action against groups espousing extremist views, blurring the lines between hate speech and free expression. The situation is further exacerbated by a growing distrust of law enforcement among certain political groups, complicating collaborations that might ordinarily occur. Thus, the role of law enforcement is increasingly questioned in a climate where individuals feel compelled to assume the role of enforcers based on their own convictions.
Silicon Valley's Smart Glasses Ambitions
Silicon Valley is once again attempting to capture the smart glasses market, having faced significant challenges with previous iterations like Google Glass. Current efforts from major tech companies, including Meta's launch of prototype glasses, aim to integrate AI functions intended to enhance user experience. However, there is skepticism regarding the market's demand for such products, as past versions failed to resonate with consumers. Early demonstrations of these devices have raised concerns about potential privacy intrusions and practical usability, leading many to question the necessity of smart glasses in contemporary tech culture.
The Decline of 23andMe
23andMe faces severe financial difficulties, with its valuation plunging by 99% as its leadership restructures amid an exodus of its board members. The company's model, which relied heavily on genetic testing for actionable results, has not generated sufficient ongoing consumer interest, essentially exhausting its market. Its unique genetic database, however, raises concerns about privacy, especially as the company considers selling sensitive consumer data. The looming question of who will acquire this data and for what purposes contributes to the ongoing dialogue on genetic privacy and ethical implications.
The Infowars Auction
Alex Jones's infamous media company, Infowars, faces liquidation as a result of significant legal judgments against it, particularly related to defamation cases from victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy. This sale presents a unique opportunity for various bidders, including left-leaning organizations like Media Matters, to potentially acquire the brand and its controversial content. The auction reflects larger questions about accountability in media and the propagation of conspiracy theories within far-right circles. As Infowars has been criticized for its role in extreme rhetoric, the outcome of the auction could influence the future landscape of media and political discourse.
Alex Jones’ conspiracy media network, InfoWars, is up for sale, as is the at-home genetic testing service 23andMe…and potentially the DNA of 15 million people who used it. Meanwhile, TikTok grifters are using AI to fake defecting to North Korea, and it’s for a dumber reason than you could possibly imagine. But first! Silicon Valley thinks it’s finally figured out how to make smart glasses that someone will actually want to buy. Max and guest host Jane Coaston (What A Day) break it all down. Then, Max interviews New Yorker correspondent David Kirkpatrick about the rise of left-wing. internet vigilantes who are infiltrating white nationalist groups.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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