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
49 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 55min
How Wikipedia Will Survive in the Age of AI (With Wikipedia’s CTO Selena Deckelmann)
Selena Deckelmann, the Chief Product and Technology Officer at the Wikimedia Foundation, discusses her pivotal role in maintaining Wikipedia's integrity amid the AI revolution. She highlights the importance of the edit button, which empowers volunteer collaboration and ensures article quality. Selena examines Wikipedia's unique governance model and its battle against AI-generated misinformation. She also addresses the impact of chatbots on traffic and the dynamic between AI firms and the platform. Ultimately, she envisions a model that could inspire the broader web.
39 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 43min
The ICE Tool That Tracks Entire Neighborhoods
A deep dive into Webloc reveals ICE's troubling ability to monitor entire neighborhoods through smartphones. Features like daytime/nighttime tracking and route tracing showcase the chilling potential for surveillance. The conversation shifts to Grok, with insights on a Telegram channel exploiting loopholes for non-consensual AI image generation. Hosts critique companies for their inadequate moderation and question their motives amid rising concerns for user safety. The podcast artfully weaves together urgent issues of technology, ethics, and privacy.
36 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 39min
How Benn Jordan Discovered Flock's Cameras Were Left Streaming to the Internet
In this talk, Benn Jordan, a YouTuber and independent security researcher, dives into his groundbreaking discoveries about Flock's surveillance technology. He shares how he exposed vulnerabilities in their license plate readers and stumbled upon Condor cameras that were streaming live to the internet, capturing footage of public spaces. Benn discusses the emotional impact of witnessing real-time surveillance, the challenges of reporting on such systems, and the legal risks faced by researchers like himself. His insights highlight the urgent need for accountability in surveillance technology.
70 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 51min
The People Tracking America's AI Data Centers
Matthew Galt, a journalist specializing in AI infrastructure and data centers, sheds light on a groundbreaking initiative tracking AI data center locations across the U.S. He discusses the motivations behind mapping these centers, including community impacts and energy demands. The conversation delves into economic effects, resource challenges, and even experimental underwater data centers. Following that, the hosts tackle the controversial Grok AI tool, highlighting its role in blurring content boundaries and its implications for journalistic integrity.
8 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 57min
REPLAY: Pornhub Exec Alexzandra Kekesi Discusses Pulling Out of the South, Trad Wives, and Feet Pics
In this discussion, Alexzandra Kekesi, Pornhub's VP of Brand and Community, shares her journey in the adult industry, emphasizing advocacy for transparency and sex-worker rights. She explores the rising cultural trends surrounding 'trad wives' and demure content, highlighting how algorithms can stifle creativity. Alexzandra explains Pornhub's controversial exit from states with regressive age verification laws and advocates for more secure, tech-savvy solutions. Tune in for unique insights into the ever-evolving landscape of adult media.
24 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 49min
REPLAY: Signal's Meredith Whittaker on Backdoors and AI
Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation and a key advocate for privacy, dives deep into the crucial topics surrounding encryption and security. She discusses the alarming threats AI poses to end-to-end encryption and explains what backdoors really mean for user privacy. Whittaker emphasizes the need for transparency in legal requests and critiques the normalization of surveillance. With her insights, she showcases how the fight for secure communication is pivotal for democracy, especially as the landscape evolves.
67 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 46min
The Shifting World of OSINT (with Craig Silverman)
Craig Silverman, co-founder of Indicator.media and seasoned journalist, dives deep into the world of OSINT and digital forensics. He discusses the challenges of fact-checking in changing beliefs and shares insights on ethical considerations in verification. Craig also highlights the evolution of OSINT and its commercialization, revealing the rise of fraudulent accounts and the complexities of ad fraud. Tune in to discover useful resources for honing your OSINT skills and the importance of maintaining integrity in digital investigations.
44 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 54min
We Tracked Ourselves with Exposed Flock Cameras
This week dives into the startling revelations about Flock's AI-powered cameras, which were exposed online and could zoom in on bystanders, even capturing their personal screens. The hosts discuss their investigative journey to locate these unsecured cameras and the implications of such pervasive surveillance technology. They also touch on vulnerabilities in government websites and the alarming risks associated with age verification laws for adult content, highlighting the growing concerns around privacy and security in a tech-driven world.
10 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 44min
Landing Big Scoops as an Indie Journalist (with Marisa Kabas)
Marisa Kabas, the founder of The Handbasket and a prominent independent journalist, dives into the evolution of media in her conversation. She reveals how indie journalists often earn the trust of sources better than mainstream outlets. Kabas shares her experiences running a one-person newsroom, the legal complexities of reporting, and why small details can lead to major stories. The challenges of covering federal shutdowns and the importance of agility in indie journalism are also highlighted, underscoring a resilient, growing community with a knack for impactful scoops.
52 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 48min
Is Wiping a Phone a Crime?
A shocking legal case unfolds as a man faces charges for wiping his phone before a Customs and Border Protection search. Unanswered questions linger about the circumstances of the stop and the motivations behind the charge. The conversation shifts to a contentious incident in a queer gamer Discord, where an Anthropic exec imposed an AI chatbot despite community pushback, sparking debates about consent and AI ethics. The hosts explore the implications of AI personalities and the evolving dynamics of online communities.
