Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Elon Musk is stepping back from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency, raising questions about DOGE's future influence. The podcast delves into how Dogecoin evolved from a meme to a significant player in government operations. It highlights the chaotic dynamics between technology, surveillance, and ethical concerns within the federal landscape. The hosts also discuss refreshing marketing tactics in a changing media environment, alongside a celebration of peonies and a new, privacy-focused photo-sharing app that excites nostalgia.

In this discussion, Manisha Krishnan, Senior Culture Editor at Wired, dives into the challenges facing Pornhub amid rising censorship efforts. She highlights new age verification laws limiting access in many U.S. states and a proposed nationwide ban on pornography. Krishnan recounts her experience at the recent Pornhub Awards, which turned into a celebration of resistance against political scrutiny. The conversation also sheds light on the intersection of tech, politics, and the adult industry, revealing how these factors shape the future of online content.

President Trump's venture into cryptocurrency takes center stage, highlighting ethical concerns tied to his launch of TRUMP coin. A private dinner for investors raises eyebrows and questions about the blend of politics and business. The conversation includes the Trump family's financial ties to the crypto world and their controversial dealings. Historical conflicts of interest are examined, linking past political figures to modern practices. As regulation remains a hot topic, the podcast explores the implications of wealthy influencers on public trust.

Lily Hay Newman, a senior writer at WIRED specializing in cybersecurity and privacy, dives into the recent hacking of the TeleMessage app used by Trump administration officials. She discusses the alarming vulnerabilities this incident reveals about government communications, especially concerning compliance and record retention laws. The conversation also touches on national security risks associated with using foreign-developed apps and the urgent need for secure domestic solutions. Join in to understand the intricate dance of technology, privacy, and government action.

In the U.S., measles is making a comeback, with a concerning outbreak in Texas leading to hundreds of cases. The podcast discusses the importance of vaccination as public trust dwindles, fueled by misinformation and a shifting health policy landscape. The role of influential figures like the new health secretary in shaping attitudes toward vaccines is explored. Additionally, private discussions among tech elites reveal how secretive dialogues may impact public health debates, reflecting a troubling trend in communal immunity.

Louise Matsakis, WIRED's Senior Business Editor focused on e-commerce and tariffs, joins to discuss the fallout from President Trump’s tariff standoff with China. She highlights the looming challenges for businesses faced with production delays, putting Christmas merchandise at risk. The conversation delves into how e-commerce platforms are adapting to tariffs, emphasizing transparent pricing to protect consumers. Matsakis also touches on the broader implications for U.S. manufacturing and supply chains amidst rising economic uncertainty.

Under the new Trump administration, more and more visa holders and foreign visitors are being detained or denied entry at the border. It’s also becoming more common for people to be questioned or detained because of content on their phones, laptops and cameras. In today’s episode, we’ll tell you what you need to know about your carrying devices across the US border, and how to stay safe. Plus, we share some pretty spectacular recommendations for your downtime.You can follow our hosts on Bluesky—Michael Calore is @snackfight, Lauren Goode is @laurengoode, and Katie Drummond is @katie-drummond. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Zeyi Yang, a senior writer at WIRED who focuses on technology and society in China, joins to discuss Tesla's precarious position in the Chinese electric vehicle market. Amid rising U.S. tariffs and stiff competition from local brands like BYD, Tesla's future looks uncertain. The conversation highlights the intertwined relationship between Elon Musk and Chinese politics, revealing how public perceptions are shifting. Humor emerges as they recount the amusing failures of robots in a half-marathon, contrasting technology's potential with its limitations.

Andrew Couts, Senior Editor of Security and Investigations at WIRED and an expert on surveillance technology, dives into the intricate web of surveillance during protests. He discusses how law enforcement utilizes advanced tech to monitor demonstrators, the implications for civil liberties, and the evolution of protest-related surveillance tactics over the years. Couts also shares crucial tips for protecting personal privacy and safety while engaging in protests, highlighting the urgency of awareness in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Paresh Dave, a Senior Writer at WIRED specializing in technology and business, joins to discuss the high-stakes trial between the FTC and Meta regarding the legality of its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The conversation delves into the FTC's argument about Facebook's monopolistic practices and raises intriguing points about how the case could reshape the social media landscape. Insights into Mark Zuckerberg's testimony add a layer of drama, highlighting the courtroom battle's significance for competition and regulation in tech.