The 404 Media Podcast cover image

The 404 Media Podcast

Latest episodes

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17 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 51min

Meta Goes Mask Off

The discussion kicks off with juicy controversies surrounding Meta, including backlash against new board member Dana White and debates over reduced content moderation. The hosts delve into the odd rollout of AI-generated profiles that sparked hilarious critique. Later, they tackle the puzzling censorship of Pornhub across the U.S. South and the fallout from recent age verification laws. The far-reaching implications of legislation that targets adult content take center stage, revealing the complex dance between free speech and regulation.
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15 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 7min

The 404 Media Year in Review

Reflecting on the past year, the hosts dive into the evolving landscape of AI and journalism. They discuss the tension between media curation and paywalls, highlighting the shift of creators to independent platforms. The challenges of personal branding for journalists amid ethical dilemmas are also explored. The conversation turns to the dual nature of AI, balancing its innovative potential against commercialization hype. Finally, they examine the changing dynamics of audience engagement and the struggles faced by niche media outlets in a rapidly shifting industry.
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6 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 4min

Why We Cover AI the Way We Do

Dive into the complexities of AI reporting, exploring controversial incidents involving image generation that sparked heated debates. The conversation moves to ethical dilemmas, including cultural sensitivities and the role of media in shaping perceptions of technology. There's also a look at startup challenges and the tools that aid productivity. Moreover, the discussion tackles accountability in the realm of AI and the responsibilities of creators and users. Finally, expect a playful critique of how technology interacts with culture in surprisingly humorous ways.
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14 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 42min

The New Jersey Drone Panic

Dive into the mystery of the New Jersey drones, where public panic may be the result of misidentifications. Explore how fear-driven behaviors, like laser pointing at aircraft, can escalate tensions. Then, shift gears to Serbia, where law enforcement uses Cellebrite to unlock phones, turning them into surveillance tools against journalists. Finally, get inspired by an art project that creatively uses traffic cameras in New York City to spark conversation about digital privacy and surveillance.
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42 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 59min

3D Printed Guns and UnitedHealthcare

The podcast opens with a gripping tale about a 3D printed gun found near the accused murderer of a health CEO. There’s a dive into the online persona of Luigi Mangione and the implications of journalism in criminal cases. The conversation shifts to the surprising removal of leadership pages by major healthcare companies post-tragedy. Online reactions to the assassination ignite debates on content moderation and public sentiment. Lastly, Congress is raising alarms over deepfake apps, linking technology to broader societal issues.
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26 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 43min

Your Bluesky Posts Are Probably Training AI

Concerns about data privacy heat up as users react to the revelation of a dataset containing their Bluesky posts. The ethical implications of data scraping in social media are scrutinized, raising questions about consent and user protection. Meanwhile, a nostalgic look at Redbox explores its rise and fall amid the streaming era, along with efforts to recycle and repurpose old kiosks. The conversation also highlights new government actions against data brokers, aiming to curb privacy violations and enhance digital rights.
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25 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 51min

Pokémon Go to The Military Industrial Complex

The discussion kicks off with how Pokémon Go players have inadvertently helped train AI through their gameplay. It dives into the concept of 'AI pimping', revealing the ethical dilemmas around AI-generated influencers on social media. The hosts tackle the implications of data collection on privacy, especially concerning military applications. They humorously explore how technology is reshaping our urban landscapes and highlight the rampant issue of content theft, particularly affecting creators in the adult industry.
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11 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 47min

Buzzfeed's AI Ads Are a Disaster

The discussion kicks off with a shocking revelation about Buzzfeed's AI ads promoting products linked to sensitive stories, raising ethical concerns. The hosts dissect the troubling intersection of automated advertising and journalistic integrity. Later, they dive into Graykey, a powerful tool for unlocking smartphones that aids law enforcement, highlighting its capabilities and limitations. The conversation touches on the broader implications of digital privacy in our increasingly tech-driven world.
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7 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 30min

How AI Is Being Used by Hackers and Criminals (Sponsored)

In an insightful discussion, Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security and an expert in social engineering, joins Matthew Gault to explore the dark implications of AI in cybersecurity. They dive into AI-generated disinformation and its role in manipulating public perception, especially during elections. The conversation highlights alarming cases of deepfake scams, including a $25.6 million fraud, and the pressing need for regulatory measures. They also address the urgent need for mental health safeguards in AI interactions, emphasizing the complex landscape of modern cyber threats.
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8 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 48min

How Apple is Locking Out Cops

The podcast kicks off with a scoop about Apple's new iPhone feature that automatically reboots devices after a period of inactivity, effectively locking out law enforcement from accessing data. The conversation then shifts to the large migration of users to Blue Sky, prompted by significant events in social media. They also discuss the challenges and excitement of shifting to new platforms, highlighting the difference between decentralized options and mainstream sites. The episode wraps up by exploring how RSS feeds can provide a clearer, ad-free news consumption experience.

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