The 404 Media Podcast
404 Media
Welcome to the podcast from 404 Media where Joseph, Sam, Emanuel, and Jason catch you up on the stories we published this week. 404 Media is a journalist-owned digital media company exploring the way technology is shaping–and is shaped by–our world. We bring you unparalleled access to hidden worlds both online and IRL through investigative reporting, smart blogging, and breaking news. At 404 Media you’ll read, and hear, stories you can’t find anywhere else written by journalists who are leading experts on their beats. Subscribe to 404 Media at 404media.co to gain access to an ad-free version of this podcast, as well as a bonus podcast episodes. Subscribers are the bedrock of building a sustainable business for our journalism.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
43 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 39min
Grokipedia Is Cringe
Discover the cringe-worthy world of Grokipedia, an AI-generated content hub that stands in stark contrast to Wikipedia's human touch. Explore Elon Musk's controversial push behind it and the potential right-leaning slant in its entries. Delve into the impending e-waste crisis as Windows 10 faces the end of support, leaving users grappling with aggressive upgrade tactics. Should they shift to Linux instead? This episode tackles these pressing tech dilemmas in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.
73 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 49min
Hackers Dox ICE
A hacking group has caused quite a stir by doxing officials from major U.S. agencies like DHS and ICE, claiming to have personal data on thousands. The conversation dives into their motives, ranging from financial extortion to sheer attention-seeking. Afterwards, the hosts tackle Wikipedia's troubling 8% decline in human traffic, attributing it to bot activity and AI-generated summaries interfering with direct visits. The impact on volunteer recruitment and donations raises important questions about the future of this beloved platform.
111 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 46min
Meta Tells Workers to ‘Go 5x Faster’ with AI
An internal Meta message pushes workers to increase productivity fivefold using AI, stirring up discussions about efficiency in the tech industry. The podcast dives into a serious Discord breach, revealing how hackers leaked sensitive user information. Interestingly, it also explores the unique intersection of AI and craft beer, where nothing seems to be off-limits. Tune in for insights on these pressing tech topics!
32 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
The End of Windows 10 Support Is an Environmental Disaster (With Nathan Proctor)
Nathan Proctor, the right to repair campaign director at US PIRG, sheds light on the looming environmental crisis as Windows 10 support ends. He reveals how this creates a massive influx of e-waste, putting millions of devices at risk of being discarded. Nathan discusses the broader implications of right to repair legislation and critiques planned obsolescence by manufacturers. Delving into issues like medical device repairs and the environmental impact of device replacement, he emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and consumer choice.
75 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 52min
The Final Boss of AI Slop
The discussion kicks off with OpenAI's intriguing new AI tool, Sora 2, highlighting the bizarre use of copyrighted characters like SpongeBob for deepfakes. Soon, the conversation shifts to the fast-growing problem of watermark removal tools. In a surprising twist, Apple and Google face scrutiny over their removal of ICE-spotting apps, leading to debates about government influence on tech companies. The hosts also touch on the murky waters of consent, trademark issues, and the future relevance of Sora 2 in an opt-out world.
55 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 49min
Landlords Demand Your Workplace Logins to Scrape Paystubs
Landlords are now requesting tenants' workplace login details to verify paystubs, raising potential legal issues. A discussion reveals how scraping services like Argyle operate and the risks of sharing sensitive credentials. Meanwhile, 18 lawyers reveal their experience using AI, how it sometimes leads to fabricated information, and the pressure from vendors to adopt these tools. The show highlights the absurd excuses lawyers use for AI-related mistakes and the ongoing debate about accountability in the legal profession.
38 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 53min
We're Suing ICE. Here's Why
The hosts reveal their lawsuit against ICE to uncover details about a $2 million spyware contract with Paragon. They delve into the dangers of AI 'workslop,' exploring how it drags down productivity and damages team dynamics. The discussion turns to the rising trend of engineers cleaning up poorly coded AI projects, known as 'vibe coding.' They also tease a shocking story about a Steam game that defrauded a cancer patient and debate the perplexities of a game called Silksong. A mix of tech, ethics, and gaming makes for a thought-provoking listen!
58 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 52min
The (Hacked) Spy In Your Car
Discover the shocking vulnerabilities of Nexar dashcams, where personal footage is compromised and privacy is at risk. Explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding surveillance technology and data privacy, especially in light of a high-profile sex trafficking case. Hear powerful courtroom testimonies from victims seeking justice, contrasting their emotional pleas with the accused's lack of remorse. Delve into a recent hacking incident that underlines the urgency for stronger cybersecurity measures. It's a gripping exploration of morality, technology, and the quest for accountability.
90 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 59min
AI Slop Is Drowning Out Human YouTubers
The podcast dives into the world of YouTube, highlighting how AI-generated 'Boring History' videos are overshadowing meticulously crafted human content. It raises alarms about Meta's decline in content moderation, allowing hate speech to flourish on platforms. A quirky segment showcases the 'AI Darwin Awards,' celebrating the most absurd uses of AI. The discussion emphasizes the battle between authenticity and the flood of superficial AI narratives, questioning the future of history and truth in digital media.
Sep 4, 2025 • 9min
404 Media Live: LA! [TEASER]
In a lively discussion from Los Angeles, the hosts tackle the controversial technology used by ICE, diving into facial recognition and Palantir's role. They explore an extensive database from the Department of Homeland Security and its impact on deportation practices. The audience is engaged with questions, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. Personal reflections on live events spice up the conversation, making it both informative and entertaining!
