The 404 Media Podcast

Join Becky Ferreira, a seasoned science reporter and author of 'The Abstract,' as she dives into the troubling implications of Locate X, a tool used by U.S. agencies to track smartphones, especially around sensitive locations like abortion clinics. She shares insights on the ethical concerns surrounding such surveillance. Also discussed are the evolving risks of data privacy in light of Roe v. Wade's overturn and the importance of effective science communication, showcasing her passion for disseminating discoveries from the scientific realm.

Dive into the chaotic rift between WordPress.com and WP Engine, sparking major questions about the future of this community. Discover how one host leveraged AI to apply for countless jobs in a single breakfast! Hear about the National Archives' ambitious move toward AI, showcasing innovative tech. The podcast uncovers the tensions within the open-source community that could shape job stability and ethical concerns in tech.

This week, the discussion dives into the unsettling marriage of facial recognition tech with smart glasses, raising serious privacy concerns. The hosts explore a groundbreaking, yet controversial, innovation that could dox individuals simply by looking at them. They also cover the chaos wreaked by Hurricane Helene, which knocked offline one of the largest climate data archives. Additionally, the impact of AI on misinformation and the emotional sway in political discourse are examined, highlighting the shifting landscape of truth.

Celebrate a year of growth as the team reflects on their key achievements and future ambitions. Dive into the crucial role of consistent content delivery in journalism, uncovering challenges faced by new media ventures. Hear insights on investigative journalism's value and effective reporting strategies, especially relating to cybercrime and big tech. It’s a fascinating look at what drives their mission and what’s next for their work!

Join Sam, a data privacy commentator, and Joseph, a tech industry expert, as they unpack the recent trend of companies like Udemy, PayPal, and LinkedIn opting users into data collection without consent. They dive into Udemy's controversial AI policies and discuss PayPal's lack of transparency regarding user data sharing. The conversation takes a darker turn as Sam recounts the unsettling experience of a woman trapped in a driverless Waymo, raising significant concerns about safety and autonomy in an AI-driven world.

Joseph, a tech policy analyst, discusses Telegram's significant shift in user data policy, now cooperating with law enforcement. Emanuel, an intellectual property lawyer, delves into Nintendo's controversial lawsuit against Palworld, highlighting its potential implications in the gaming industry. Sam shares firsthand experiences with Telegram, reflecting on its changing dynamics as a platform. Together, they explore the tension between user privacy and legal compliance in a digital world increasingly under scrutiny.

In this engaging discussion, Jason, an expert in tech safety, sheds light on the alarming wave of pager explosions in Lebanon, delving into lithium battery risks and potential sabotage. Emanuel then takes the stage, offering insights into Snapchat's future AI selfie ads, raising intriguing ethical questions. The conversation also tackles the implications of AI in surveillance, drawing connections to tech giants and the fine line between safety and privacy. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking exploration of tech's darker sides!

In this discussion, Sam reveals alarming details about the rise of sextortion emails, which leverage personal info, including home addresses, to intimidate their victims into compliance. Jason shifts gears to highlight the burgeoning right to repair movement in healthcare, advocating for DIY approaches to medication and personal medical care. He even unravels a long-standing mystery from Reddit, showcasing the role of facial recognition technology. Together, they explore the dark undercurrents of online scams and the fight for medical autonomy.

The discussion kicks off with the controversy surrounding NaNoWriMo and its claim that condemning AI reflects classist and ableist views. The hosts navigate the implications of AI in creative writing, unpacking the community's backlash against AI sponsorship. They also delve into how young adult authors are affected by this shift. The conversation then shifts to exciting innovations in game development, highlighting a groundbreaking AI software that redefines traditional methods and raises ethical questions about the future of content creation.

Pavel Durov, cofounder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, discusses the implications of his recent arrest within the tech world. He dives into how Telegram navigates a tricky landscape of encryption and content moderation, especially regarding the platform's role in illegal activities. The conversation also tackles controversial advertising practices, including 'Active Listening,' and raises critical questions about privacy invasion and the ethicality of data collection in tech today. Durov sheds light on the complexities of free speech in the digital age.