
The 404 Media Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

22 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 51min
This Site Unmasks Cops With Facial Recognition
A new website reveals the names and salaries of LAPD officers using facial recognition, pushing for police accountability. The creator has launched a similar tool for identifying ICE employees. The hosts discuss a significant court ruling that permits AI companies to scrape artists' work without consent, igniting debates on copyright laws. Additionally, they delve into the complex legal implications of AI training on copyrighted content, shedding light on the challenges faced by both individuals and corporations in this rapidly evolving landscape.

51 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 47min
Airlines Sold Your Flight Data to DHS—And Covered It Up
Discover the shocking truth about major airlines selling your flight data to Customs and Border Protection while keeping it under wraps. Dive into the world of AI scraping bots as they revolutionize access to libraries and museums, but also raise concerns about cultural heritage preservation. Plus, uncover the casual surveillance connections between ICE and local law enforcement through leaked emails. This fascinating exploration highlights the complex landscape of data privacy, transparency, and the impacts of technology on society.

48 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 52min
Feds Flew Predator Drones Over The LA Protests
The discussion dives into the dramatic anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, where surveillance aircraft, including Predator drones, loomed overhead. Eyes are opened to the implications of such monitoring on civil liberties. Meanwhile, fiery clashes erupt as protesters target Waymo's self-driving cars, raising questions about urban transportation and protest dynamics. The narrative also touches on the chilling case of a sex trafficking ring linked to a popular site, as the owner faces serious legal consequences.

42 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 45min
Anti-Porn Laws' Real Target Is Free Speech
In this discussion, Matthew Galt, a regular contributor to 404 Media and an expert on open-source software, dives into critical issues surrounding impending anti-porn legislation. He argues this legislation threatens free speech and could redefine obscenity laws, impacting creators on platforms like OnlyFans. Galt also shares insights on how open-source software played a vital role in a significant Ukrainian drone attack against Russia, highlighting the intersection of technology and modern warfare.

31 snips
May 28, 2025 • 47min
ICE's Backdoor Into a Nationwide AI Surveillance Network
Dive into the world of Flock's automatic license plate readers and their unsettling connection to ICE, highlighting how local law enforcement unwittingly aids in a nationwide surveillance network. Discover the new invasive capabilities of Nova, which plans to aggregate hacked data for law enforcement use. Gain insights into the ethical dilemmas surrounding surveillance tech and the implications of data breaches, all while reflecting on the profound transformation of privacy in urban spaces.

54 snips
May 21, 2025 • 46min
AI Slop Summer
A quirky controversy arises as a Chicago newspaper publishes an AI-generated summer reading list filled with fictional titles. This sparks a debate about the reliability of journalism in the age of AI. Meanwhile, shocking documents reveal that schools are woefully unprepared for the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT. The discussion also navigates the intersection of education and technology, questioning how these advancements are reshaping learning and academic integrity. Plus, there's a humorous dive into the world of Star Wars and its take on future AI special effects.

22 snips
May 14, 2025 • 52min
AI Avatar of Killed Man Testifies in Court
A groundbreaking AI avatar testifies in court, delivering a powerful message from a murder victim, sparking debates on ethics in justice. Meanwhile, Meta plans to incorporate facial recognition into smart glasses, raising privacy concerns for users. Additionally, the transformative role of AI in baseball is discussed, hinting at its far-reaching implications in sports. This episode dives into the intersections of technology, ethics, and emotional impact, challenging listeners to rethink the future of AI in various aspects of life.

70 snips
May 7, 2025 • 48min
The Trump Admin's Signal Clone Was Hacked
A major hack of a messaging app used by the Trump administration raises serious security concerns about government communications. The hosts reveal how easily hackers infiltrated this modified version of Signal, exposing sensitive information linked to political figures. Additionally, they discuss a hacking incident involving GlobalX Air, which has been involved in deportation flights for ICE, shedding light on the implications for data security and government practices. In a surprising twist, they also cover the shutdown of Mr. Deepfakes and its impact on online content.

9 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 55min
Meta's AI Chatbots Are a Disaster
This week we start with Sam's very in-depth story on Meta's AI chatbots, and how they're essentially posing as licensed therapists. After the break, Jason breaks down the wildly unethical AI-powered research that took place on Reddit. In the subscribers-only section, Joseph explains how the age of realtime deepfake fraud is here after he got a bunch of videos showing scammers do their thing.
YouTube version: https://youtu.be/H5380M-hnJ4
Instagram's AI Chatbots Lie About Being Licensed Therapists
Researchers Secretly Ran a Massive, Unauthorized AI Persuasion Experiment on Reddit Users
Reddit Issuing 'Formal Legal Demands' Against Researchers Who Conducted Secret AI Experiment on Users
The Age of Realtime Deepfake Fraud Is Here
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32 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 55min
Cops Are Using AI Bots to Surveil People
The discussion kicks off with the explosive revelation that a company is selling AI-powered undercover bots to law enforcement, designed to masquerade as protesters and even children. The ethical implications of this technology in surveillance raise serious concerns, especially around targeting vulnerable demographics. Switching gears, one host shares an inspiring visit to the millennial saint Carlo Acutis, whose blend of faith and tech resonates with younger audiences. The conversation also touches on navigating economic challenges and building community engagement.