
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

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.

42 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 60min
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.

26 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 44min
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.

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.

11 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 46min
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.

7 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 31min
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.

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.

6 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 46min
The Plan to Use AI to Purge Voter Rolls
Discover the potential of EagleAI in purging voter rolls and the controversial implications for electoral integrity. Explore Microsoft's missteps with gender-predicting AI and the complexities of Instagram's nudity policies, particularly around female nipples. Delve into the ethical challenges of AI in facial recognition and the inconsistencies of social media moderation. This discussion highlights the risks of voter suppression and the unpredictable landscape of AI technology amid societal impacts.

14 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 50min
An Elon Musk-Funded PAC Is Running a Democrat Impersonation Campaign
A super PAC funded by Elon Musk is impersonating Democrats to sway conservative voters with false narratives. The campaign mirrors conservative strategies, revealing the manipulative nature of modern political advertising. Also discussed is the integration of AI at Northwell Health, where tech promises to enhance patient care but raises ethical concerns about accuracy and privacy. The conversation highlights the fine line between innovation and the potential risks in healthcare, alongside discussing broader implications for digital misinformation.

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 3min
How Politician Turned Advocate Susanna Gibson Battles Non-Consensual Imagery
Susanna Gibson, a nurse practitioner and former Virginia House candidate, shares her inspiring journey as an advocate for victims of non-consensual imagery after becoming a target herself. She discusses the emotional challenges and legal inadequacies surrounding image-based sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for community support. Gibson also reflects on her transition from healthcare to politics, her work with the nonprofit MyOwn Image, and the importance of legislative changes to protect victims. Her story underscores resilience and empowerment in the battle against digital violence.
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