Uncanny Valley | WIRED

WIRED’s Director of Business & Industry Zoë Schiffer and Katie Drummond, Global Editorial Director, talk about credit card freezes and AI technology at DOGE, and how each is a move from the Twitter playbook.Articles mentioned in this episode: DOGE Puts $1 Spending Limit on Government Employee Credit Cards, Elon Musk’s $1 Spending Limit Is Paralyzing Federal Agencies, DOGE Is Working on Software That Automates the Firing of Government Workers, Elon Musk’s DOGE Is Working on a Custom Chatbot Called GSAi Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Delve into the tension surrounding Tesla as it faces declining sales and cultural backlash, especially in Europe. Uncover the troubling world of deepfakes, highlighting a female entrepreneur's distress and exploring corporate failures in addressing these issues. Finally, navigate the rapidly evolving chip market, discussing the challenges facing Intel and the revolutionary potential of quantum computing. Discover how these intertwined stories reflect larger themes of technology and society.

Brian Barrett, Executive Editor at WIRED, dives into the web of conflicts of interest surrounding Dogecoin, particularly concerning officials at HUD and their ties to the real estate sector. He uncovers the ethical dilemmas posed by these connections. The conversation also turns to Elon Musk's chaotic email to federal workers, revealing how it sent shockwaves through government operations and impacted employee morale. The discussion blends tech, politics, and the tumultuous interplay between leadership and its repercussions in the crypto world.

Dive into the escalating feud between Sam Altman and Elon Musk, tracing their complex friendship from the non-profit days of OpenAI to their current rivalry. Explore the dramatic twists, including leadership battles and Musk's ambitious bid for OpenAI. Discover how these tensions reflect broader issues in the AI landscape and the high stakes involved. The conversation also touches on the impact of tech rivalries, from historical conflicts to modern-day challenges faced by industry giants.

Andrew Couts, WIRED’s Senior Editor of Security and Investigations, discusses the 1974 Privacy Act's unexpected relevance as Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency gathers sensitive data. He outlines concerns about how this impacts privacy rights, especially in relation to the cryptocurrency Doge. The conversation reveals ongoing legal battles over data access and emphasizes the need for individuals to safeguard themselves against government surveillance. Practical tips and real-life anecdotes make the complex issues more relatable and engaging.

Dating apps have transformed from simple connections to niche platforms catering to every interest, yet they seem to be struggling. Discussions highlight how the pandemic shifted user engagement and the rise of AI in enhancing safety and interactions. However, concerns over authenticity and scams linger. With recent trends showing a decline in paying users, many are leaning towards real-life connections. The episode humorously critiques alternative venues for romance while reflecting on social media's increasing role in the dating landscape.

Leah Feiger, Senior Politics Editor at Wired, dives into the chaotic world of Dogecoin and its influence on government efficiency. She and Katie Drummond explore how inexperienced engineers have landed key positions amid this turmoil. They discuss the impact of Elon Musk's appointments and the potential legal ramifications for Doge, while reflecting on Trump’s controversial backing. The conversation unveils the complexities of political coverage in today's landscape, emphasizing the accountability in government roles as public scrutiny intensifies.

The podcast dives into the intriguing rise of TikTok, tracing its evolution from Musical.ly and its cultural impact on Gen Z. The hosts analyze the app's unique algorithm and the challenges it faces amid political tensions and potential bans. They discuss national security concerns and the implications of foreign ownership on user data. Additionally, the influence of TikTok on the social media landscape is highlighted, showing how rivals are adopting similar features in response to its popularity.

Explore the dramatic political shift of a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist, once a Democratic donor, now advising in the Trump administration. Dive into the evolution of the internet with the revolutionary impact of the Mosaic web browser and Andreessen's venture capital philosophies. Uncover the effects of debanking on entrepreneurs in the tech landscape, alongside the growing tensions between tech elites and government policies. The discussion also touches on the societal ramifications of techno-optimism and the challenges of content moderation.

Meta's choice to ditch third-party fact-checking sparks a deep dive into content moderation. The transition from human moderators to automated systems raises questions about misinformation management and community involvement. Experiences during the COVID era highlight the balance between government scrutiny and free speech. Meanwhile, a personal take on the 'No Buy 2025' movement tackles consumerism temptations. In a lighter turn, the hosts chat about their quirky pen obsessions, revealing the playful side of their interests.