Announcements
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AI stealing our work. The collapse of social networks. The need to pay journalists to produce impactful journalism. Here is why we are asking for your email address to read 404 Media.
Podcast
Podcast: Why Google Is Shit Now
This week we go long on Google News and AI, and why Google Search is worse now. We also discuss a phone spy tool that can monitor billions.
Features
Inside a Global Phone Spy Tool Monitoring Billions
A wide-spanning investigation by 404 Media reveals more details about a secretive spy tool that can tracks billions of phone profiles through the advertising industry called Patternz. Google has taken action in response to 404 Media's inquiries.
News
Feds Charge Alleged ‘TLO’ Underground Data Broker
In August we revealed the secret weapon hackers can use to dox nearly anyone in America for $15. Now, authorities have targeted at least one of the data sellers.
News
Google News Is Boosting Garbage AI-Generated Articles
404 Media reviewed multiple examples of AI rip-offs making their way into Google News. Google said it doesn't focus on how an article was produced—by an AI or human—opening the way for more AI-generated articles.
Podcast
Podcast: Google Finally Endorses Right to Repair
This week we talk right to repair, an online dating lawsuit, and a follow-up to the spread of AI-enabled surveillance cameras around the country.
News
Is Your Local Police Department Using Fusus AI-Enabled Cameras? Find Out Here
404 Media has obtained a new dataset which shows the spread of Fusus cameras across the country. Check the map to see if your local law enforcement agency has signed up.
News
Hackers Break into AI Hiring Chatbot, Could Hire and Reject Fast Food Applicants
Chat logs sent to 404 Media show the chatbot automatically denying at least one applicant on certain criteria.
Impact
Impact: FTC Stops Data Broker X-Mode Selling Sensitive Location Data
Years ago I revealed a data broker was harvesting location data from Muslim prayer and dating apps. The FTC has now banned X-Mode from selling location data related to places of worship and other sensitive locations including family planning facilities.
Podcast
Podcast: Deepfaked Celeb Scam Ads Are All Over YouTube
This week we've got deepfaked celebrities; bizarre FOIA responses; and hackers popping trains.
News
Sealed Indictment Shows Case Against Hacker Behind Massive T-Mobile Data Breach
A sealed indictment obtained by 404 Media describes the case against John Binns, who allegedly hacked into T-Mobile, stole 40 million user records, and then sold them.
News
Inside a $20 Million Coinbase Phishing Ring
404 Media spoke to a victim of a hacking ring the Secret Service believes stole millions of dollars by setting up fake Coinbase login pages.