FOIA
The Air Force Is Researching a ‘MAD.AI’ That Would Adapt Drones to New Environments
The Air Force has contracted with a company called Qylur, whose tool is designed to continuously improve the AI systems of autonomous devices such as drones and UAVs.
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Risks, Attention, and Telegram
This is Behind the Blog, where we share our behind-the-scenes thoughts about how a few of our top stories of the week came together. This week, we discuss communicating risks, brain rot, and the arrest of Telegram's CEO.
Podcast
Podcast: Fraudsters Say 'We Know Where You Live'
The new wave of scary sextortion emails that include your address; the rise of right to repair for your body; and a years old Reddit mystery solved.
News
In Wake of Durov Arrest, Some Cybercriminals Ditch Telegram
Hackers, fraudsters, and drug dealers are all leaving the platform in one way or another. Some are worried that Telegram may start providing user data to the authorities.
FOIA
The DEA Really Didn’t Want to Release Records About Its Retirement Medals for Some Reason
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request over some frivolous records shows how agencies are increasingly refusing to release details on what the U.S. government spends its money on.
News
Here’s the Pitch Deck for ‘Active Listening’ Ad Targeting
404 Media previously reported Cox Media Group (CMG) was advertising a service that claimed to target ads based on what potential customers said near device microphones. Now, here is the pitch deck CMG sent to prospective companies. Google has kicked CMG off its Partner Program in response.
Podcast
Podcast: A Whirlwind Tour of DEF CON
Joseph went to DEF CON to talk to hackers on location. AI, hacking biology, and community all came up.
Announcements
What We Learned In Our First Year of 404 Media
In August 2023, we launched 404 Media with a novel idea: pay journalists to do journalism. Here we are, a year later.
News
US Feds Are Tapping a Half-Billion Encrypted Messaging Goldmine
European cops hacked the encrypted phone provider Sky in 2021. More and more cases in the U.S. are using that mass of collected messages.
Podcast
Podcast: How Taylor Swift Could Sue Trump for AI Images
We break down how Taylor Swift could sue Donald Trump for a fake, AI-generated endorsement of the presidential candidate; how the U.S. is tapping an intelligence goldmine of encrypted chats; and how we approach generating impact with our journalism.
Features
The Golden Age of Hackers in Vegas Is Over
After ransomware struck the strip, Vegas is more cautious and paranoid about hackers than ever, with businesses and casinos sending a clear message: hackers are not welcome here.
News
FlightAware Exposed Pilots’ and Users’ Info
The popular flight tracking website informed users that it inadvertently exposed user data, including names, physical addresses, aircraft owned, pilot status, and flights tracked.