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
56 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 56min
Why Are DHS Agents Wearing Meta Ray-Bans?
A Customs and Border Protection agent made headlines by wearing Meta Ray-Bans during an immigration raid, stirring debates on privacy and accountability. The conversation shifts to voice actors facing a 'Faustian bargain' with AI, weighing lucrative opportunities against ethical concerns of job security. The podcast also reveals how a DEA official misused a cop’s password for surveillance, raising alarms about transparency in law enforcement. These topics highlight the intersection of technology, ethics, and public perception in today’s world.
88 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 46min
Google Is Exposing Peoples’ ChatGPT Secrets
Delve into the shocking revelation of nearly 100,000 sensitive ChatGPT conversations being indexed by Google. Discover how Wikipedia is tackling the influx of AI-generated content with a new speedy deletion policy. Explore the historical anti-porn crusade that has shaped platforms like Steam and Itch.io for decades. Tune in for discussions on the impacts of recent data breaches, the complexities of online censorship, and the evolving challenges of journalism in the digital age.
73 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 56min
The Tea Breach Just Keeps Getting Worse
The conversation kicks off with alarming revelations about a dating safety app that faced serious data breaches, exposing sensitive user information. A new UK law complicates access to crucial footage, as users must verify their age through selfies. The hosts then tackle the impact of credit card policies on video gaming and the adult industry. Lastly, an unexpected topic springs up: the rumor about LeBron James being pregnant, debunked with a hilarious twist!
64 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 45min
Spotify Is Publishing AI Tracks of Dead Artists
This week dives into the bizarre realm of AI music with Spotify publishing unauthorized tracks from deceased artists. The ethics of these AI-generated songs spark lively debate about legacy and authenticity in music. A chilling report unveils a company selling hacked data to debt collectors, raising alarms about privacy violations. Additionally, the implications of corporate ethics in data commodification are critically examined, painting a vivid picture of our surveillance-driven culture and its potential future.
87 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 47min
The AI Exodus Begins
A crackdown is underway in the AI industry, sparking debates about ethics and usage. The controversial AI platform Civitai highlights the challenges of adult content generation, raising concerns over consent. In an interesting twist, a campaign strives to save historical signs in national parks, countering political narratives that threaten authenticity. The discussion includes the pitfalls of relying on AI to transform the media landscape, emphasizing that it may not be the savior many hope for.
46 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 40min
How to Fight Back Against AI Bot Scrapers
Discover how Anubis, an innovative open-source tool, is fighting against AI bot scrapers and protecting invaluable online resources. Delve into the ethical concerns surrounding a new facial recognition app used by ICE, sparking debates about privacy and surveillance. The hosts also share amusing insights on how AI models often miss the mark in understanding human nuances. Plus, explore unconventional methods researchers use to 'jailbreak' AI with confusing jargon. It's a thought-provoking journey through technology and its implications!
67 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Life Changing Power of Lifting (feat. Casey Johnston)
In this chat with Casey Johnston, an independent journalist and founder of She's a Beast, they explore the transformative journey of weightlifting and its benefits beyond physical strength. Casey discusses her memoir, sharing how she escaped diet culture and embraced lifting. They delve into the intersections of fitness, technology, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of accessible weight training for all. With insights on authenticity in fitness journalism, they advocate for genuine connections in the community and the power of weightlifting to foster personal growth.
50 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.
74 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.
53 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.
