Taylor Lorenz’s Power User

Security experts John Hammond, known for his YouTube content on cybersecurity, and Josh from All Things Secured, a privacy advocate, join to discuss how to safeguard online privacy. They explain why personal data matters and the many ways it is collected—from apps to IoT devices. Tune in for insights on how hackers harvest information, the importance of password managers, and the realities of incognito mode. They also share practical tips on how to assess and limit your digital footprint, ensuring greater protection and peace of mind online.

Bala Krishna Sha, a journalist at The Himalayan Times, shares insights on Nepal's recent protests and the Gen Z movement against corruption. He explains how young activists organized through platforms like TikTok and Discord, exposing elite privilege and government corruption. Bala highlights the chaos following a tragic police crackdown, which ignited widespread outrage and unrest. He critiques international media narratives dismissing the movement as mere social media concerns, emphasizing the larger implications for democracy and free speech in Nepal.

In this discussion, Makenna Kelly, a senior reporter at WIRED, unravels how foreign governments use influencers as tools of propaganda. She delves into the rise of state-hosted influencer tours and their parallels to public diplomacy. Countries like Israel and Russia leverage creators to shape narratives, with MAGA influencers being courted to spread messages. Kelly highlights the lack of disclosure rules around these initiatives and the implications for creators, revealing how financial incentives and powerful connections drive participation.

Ari Cohn, a prominent First Amendment and tech policy lawyer from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), joins to dive into the significant implications of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension after a joke that displeased the Trump administration. They discuss the concept of 'jawboning' and the government's growing influence over media. Cohn highlights the dangers of rising internet censorship, the impact on independent creators, and the troubling implications of proposed regulations that could stifle free expression.

The viral trend of mocking robots through 1950s-style racism reveals deeper societal anxieties about technology. Creators use slurs like 'clanker' to parody discrimination, reflecting our frustrations with automation. This phenomenon raises questions about how we view AI in a world increasingly dominated by it. The discussion explores how these narratives might mirror human prejudices, prompting us to reconsider our ethical stance towards marginalized communities and the implications of rapid technological advancements.

Explore the startling emergence of AI-generated TikTokers, mimicking real people with uncanny precision. Creators face growing challenges as these digital impostors slip through moderation filters, reshaping the landscape of content authenticity. The chaos of content theft on TikTok is revealed, illustrating the struggle original creators endure against a tide of plagiarized media. Tune in for insights from a reporter on the frontlines of this digital deception, as the future of online identity hangs in the balance.

The podcast dives into the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S., especially when high-profile figures are targeted. It highlights the stark contrast in media portrayals of violence that affects elites versus marginalized communities. The discussion critiques the hypocrisy surrounding political violence, digging into the selective outrage based on race and power. Additionally, it emphasizes the troubling normalization of violence in society and calls for accountability from leaders to address the systemic issues faced by those often ignored.

Kyle Chayka, a writer at The New Yorker, dives into the decline of casual posting on social media. He explores the nostalgia for spontaneous sharing, now overshadowed by polished influencer content and algorithmic pressures. The conversation highlights how social media has morphed post-2016, leading to a sense of 'posting ennui' and reduced creativity. Chayka also discusses newer platforms like Blue Sky striving to revive genuine connections, questioning the future of authentic self-expression in an increasingly commercialized online landscape.

A new government contract gives ICE access to a powerful spyware called Graphite, allowing them to hack phones without any user interaction. This unsettling technology can monitor everything on your device, even encrypted communications, raising serious concerns about privacy and civil liberties. The implications for activists, journalists, and dissidents are enormous. The discussion also offers insights on staying safe from such invasive technologies, making audience members reconsider their personal cybersecurity.

Anna Massoglia, a distinguished journalist and the Director of Investigations at the Sunlight Research Center, unveils the shady world of dark money in politics. They discuss how undisclosed funds shape elections and influence digital content, especially through high-profile Democratic influencers receiving hidden financial backing. The conversation dives into the implications of dark money in both domestic politics and foreign propaganda. Massoglia emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and ethical practices in an era where influencers may unknowingly serve hidden agendas.