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
30 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 50min
Signal's Meredith Whittaker on Backdoors and AI
Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation and a key figure in digital privacy, discusses the current landscape of messaging apps, specifically Signal's end-to-end encryption. She delves into the threats posed by AI on user privacy and explains the implications of backdoors in communication tools. The conversation touches on the delicate balance between law enforcement and user rights, exploring ethical concerns around hacked encrypted chats. Whittaker highlights the ongoing struggles of maintaining digital privacy in an increasingly surveilled world.
22 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 46min
Google, Reddit, and the Robots.txt Rebellion
Sam, a journalist known for her tech controversies coverage, and Joseph, an internet culture enthusiast, dive into some hot topics. They discuss the uprising against AI scraping, spotlighting how websites are using robots.txt to fight back. Sam unveils her scoop on Runway's unauthorized video scraping from YouTube creators, raising eyebrows about copyright issues. Plus, they explore how Reddit’s exclusive deal with Google shapes search visibility, leaving other search engines in the dust. Lastly, the crew fills Joseph in on the bizarre world of Skibidi.
Jul 24, 2024 • 40min
The CrowdStrike Outage
The podcast discusses the CrowdStrike outage that caused Windows machines worldwide to crash, impacting government agencies. They also talk about vaping the internet and leaked Cellebrite documents revealing phone unlocking capabilities.
9 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 42min
The Worst Telecom Breach Ever
AI industry expert Emanuel discusses the shocking AT&T breach and its implications. He also delves into the impact of JD Vance on the AI industry. The conversation covers phone metadata risks, face selling for fraud, and Vance's controversial book 'Hillbilly Elegy'.
19 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 42min
The Ticketmaster Hack
The podcast discusses the Ticketmaster hack getting worse, with hackers targeting non-transferable tickets. They explore how scalpers and hackers collaborate to bypass ticket restrictions. In the subscribers-only section, they cover the sale of netflow data to the U.S. government.
6 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 43min
Your Identity Hacked, Yet Verified
The podcast discusses the exposure of driver licenses on ID verification services, FBI investigations into Zoom Bombing, and the advertising of a data tool to dox anyone on Fiverr. It explores cybersecurity breaches, legal and ethical concerns in cybersecurity research, challenges of virtual city council meetings during the pandemic, and child radicalization concerns on online platforms.
7 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 47min
Replacing 404 Media with AI
The podcast discusses creating an AI website to replace 404 Media, AI-generated music leading to lawsuits, and chatbots suddenly changing personalities. They explore ethical concerns in content creation, AI platform security, and the legalities of AI music generators. The hosts reflect on AI's impact on the media and music industry, teasing about chatbots adapting personalities in the subscribers-only section.
22 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 47min
AI Celebs Take Over Google Image Search
The podcast discusses AI-generated images in Google search, including disturbing content and its ethical implications. They talk about the challenges of moderation, misinformation, and security risks. Additionally, they explore the significance of investing in index funds, retirement accounts, and the impact of passive investing on corporate decision-making.
24 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 47min
Hacking the Adderall Shortage
Americans are resorting to hiring people in the Philippines to find Adderall due to shortages. An alarming case of AirTags stalking involving the FBI is discussed. The alleged bankruptcy of media organization the Gateway Pundit is scrutinized in the bonus section.
9 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 31min
DARK WIRE on Whale Hunting
Author Joseph discusses his new book DARK WIRE, revealing the FBI's use of an encrypted messaging app for wiretapping. The podcast explores the evolution of criminal communication, the FBI-run NAMM system, dark web criminal activities, and the underground data trade.
