
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

17 snips
May 1, 2024 • 45min
A Lost Media Mystery
A 17-second mysterious music snippet origins revealed in an 80s porno. Discord service scraping, selling messages for $5. AI livestream apps with fake audiences target women. Intriguing Lost Media mysteries and privacy concerns on Discord.

8 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 46min
The Humane Ai Pin Is a Disaster
The podcast discusses the disastrous launch of the Humane AI Pin, deepfake nudify apps advertised on Instagram, and AI-generated product placements on Reddit. They also touch on tech failures, AI investments, and the importance of accountability in the tech industry.

7 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 37min
The 'Com World War'
Investigation into the dangerous world of the online entity 'Com' linked to data breaches. Google's AI research under scrutiny. Man creates AI-powered sex box. Cybercrime, material discovery debate, and AI brute forcing discussed.

6 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 43min
The Wild World of Fake AI Influencers
Guest Jules Roscoe discusses the rise of AI influencers on social media, deep faking faces onto bodies, and the challenges faced by real influencers. The podcast also delves into using Apple Vision Pro for creating amateur porn and the implications of distributing adult content filmed with Apple devices.

21 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 40min
The Xz Backdoor and the AI Peer-Review Crisis
The podcast delves into the Xz backdoor in open-source software, AI in peer-review, and a scientific journal banning a controversial image. It discusses vulnerabilities in Linux, AI influence on peer review, and challenges in academic publishing.

10 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 47min
The Shaky Science of License Plate Readers
Exploring flaws in a surveillance study, the impact of Pornhub leaving Texas, and the transformation of Deadspin into a gambling site. Unpacking the shady practices of Flock, age verification laws' effects on internet users, and the challenges of content removal from the web.

7 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 44min
Shrimp Jesus
Topics discussed in the podcast include AI-generated spam on Facebook, Pornhub pulling out of Texas, and backdoors in safe lock products. The hosts delve into the impact of AI-generated content, online privacy concerns, and legal battles surrounding adult content consumption. Exclusive content for subscribers is also highlighted.

10 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 45min
How Hackers Steal Mountains of Oxy and Adderall
Hackers exploiting electronic prescription systems for drugs, 404 Media tied to fake Netflix trailer by Russia, subscribers section on ElevenLabs voice bypassing policy

18 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 47min
The AI-Powered TikTok Hustlers
Exploring the world of AI-powered TikTok and Instagram hustlers who use AI tools to flood platforms with autogenerated content, some making big money. Then diving into the controversial topic of Etsy sellers turning fan fiction into bound books without authors' consent. Finally, discussing the impact of a right to repair victory in Oregon on Apple globally.

4 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 47min
Tumblr and WordPress to Sell Users’ Data to Train AI Tools
Tumblr and WordPress selling user data for AI training, chaos within the companies, concerns about AI scraping content, the war on libraries and challenges faced in providing information and education
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