News
‘Things Are Going to Get Intense:’ How a Musk Ally Plans to Push AI on the Government
404 Media has obtained audio of a meeting held by Thomas Shedd, a Musk-associate who is now heading a team of government coders. In the call one employee pushed back and said one of the planned moves is an “illegal task.”
pornhub
Pornhub Is Now Blocked In Almost All of the U.S. South
As of today, three more states join the list of 17 that can't access Pornhub because of age verification laws.
Podcast
Podcast: The 404 Media Year in Review
We talk about the last year when it comes to AI, journalism, and more.
News
We Don’t Want Your Password
Some people don't love our magic link logins. But the best way for us to protect your password is to never ask for it.
News
Secret Service Admits It Didn’t Check if People Really Consented to Being Tracked
Emails viewed by 404 Media show that the Secret Service did not verify that location data it was tracking people with was actually collected with consent, despite saying so.
The Abstract
The Year in Abstracts: Obese Genomes and Banana Galaxies
We’re eating Suns and chillin’ in Moon caves for the last Abstract of 2024.
AI
AI-Generated Book Grifters Threaten The Future of Lace-Making
“Unfortunately, for newcomers who might be excited to dive into this hobby, they could get burned by the inadequate books—and frankly the thievery—of the work of our cherished lacemakers and designers."
Podcast
Podcast: Why We Cover AI the Way We Do
Here's a holiday gift: an episode that was previously only available to paying subscribers. Make sure to sign up for tons more bonus content like this.
christmas
Nothing Is Sacred: AI Generated Slop Has Come for Christmas Music
AI-generated Christmas classics that dwell in the uncanny valley are giving listeners the creeps.
Court Watch
Tipster Arrested After Feds Find AI Child Exploit Images and Plans to Make VR CSAM
A review of a tipster's phone revealed 'real' CSAM mixed in with AI CSAM, and a darker involvement in the case.
News
Government to Name ‘Key Witness’ Who Provided FBI With Backdoored Encrypted Chat App Anom
A lawyer has pushed to learn the identity of the person who first created Anom, which the FBI used to read tens of millions of messages sent by organized criminals. The confidential human source may testify in court, too.
The Abstract
Disney Princesses Are at Risk of Rabies and Fatal Maulings
This week, the creature from the Pangean lagoon, casket shopping for Disney princesses, a horror show in ancient Somerset, and “Martifacts.”
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Posting Through It
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 our top games of the year, air traffic control, and posting through it.