The 404 Media Podcast

404 Media
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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9 snips
Feb 27, 2024 • 35min

Byron Tau on the New U.S. Surveillance State

Investigative journalist Byron Tau discusses the hidden alliance of tech and government in the US surveillance state. The conversation delves into the adtech surveillance industry, real-time bidding, and the intricate world of data brokers. It also highlights the intertwining of government funding and data surveillance, revealing controversial data harvesting practices.
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Feb 21, 2024 • 45min

A Deepfake Nightmare + Vibrator Malware

A ton of stuff to talk about this week. We start with Jason and Emanuel's dive into how a deepfake nudify app rocked a high school. We got a copy of the police report, and more than anything else it shows we're simply not ready for what deepfakes will mean for ordinary people. Then Joseph talks about uncovering a network of fake funeral livestream scams on Facebook. In the subscribers-only section, we talk about Jason and Sam's very serious investigation into whether a certain brand of vibrator is actually delivering malware or not. ‘What Was She Supposed to Report?:’ Police Report Shows How a High School Deepfake Nightmare Unfolded Fake Funeral Live Stream Scams Are All Over Facebook Do Spencer’s Vibrators Have Malware on Them? An Investigation Subscribe for bonus content at 404media.co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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13 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 38min

An Open Source Search Engine to Replace Google

Discover how brands are using AI-driven personality tests in hiring, including a quirky 3D alien assessment that provokes laughter and critique. Then, explore an innovative open-source search engine aiming to challenge Google’s dominance, allowing users to customize their search experiences. The conversation also touches on the viral yet untrue story about a toothbrush botnet, shedding light on misinformation in the digital age. This mix of tech and humor makes for an engaging discussion!
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7 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 47min

Inside a Fraud Factory

Joseph, an investigator into OnlyFake, shares his findings on the ease of generating convincing fake IDs. The implications for crime and cybersecurity are huge. The podcast also covers AI-generated audio porn and the low-tech response to deepfakes. Scams related to Instagram ads are discussed in the subscriber-only section.

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