FOIA
DHS Is Deploying a Powerful Surveillance Tool at College Football Games
Public records show DHS is deploying the "Homeland Security Information Network" at college protests and football games.
Podcast
Podcast: The Wild World of Fake AI Influencers
We introduce our new 404 Media fellow Jules Roscoe; go long on fake AI Instagram influencers; talk about the couple making porn for the Apple Vision Pro; and the bizarre sight at a particular New York City chicken shop.
age verification
Arizona Governor Strikes Down Age Verification Bill, Says It Violates First Amendment
“While we look for a solution, it should be bipartisan and work within the bounds of the First Amendment, which this bill does not," Arizona governor Katie Hobbs wrote.
‘AI Instagram Influencers’ Are Deepfaking Their Faces Onto Real Women’s Bodies
AI 'influencers' on Instagram have racked up hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views by stealing reels from real women to make the AI seem more "believable."
work
NYC Chicken Shop Replaces Cashier With Woman in Philippines On Zoom
The Zoom meeting info and password is written on a note facing customers.
Announcements
Introducing the First 404 Media Fellow: Jules Roscoe
Jules will be covering labor and automation and helping our stories show up on all platforms as our first 404 Media fellow.
News
Hatsune Miku Fans Furious Live Show Was Just a Flatscreen On Stage
The virtual pop idol did not appear in her full hologram form in two shows on her North American tour and fans are pissed.
virtual reality
How Amateur Performers Are Making Porn in the Apple Vision Pro
Damien and Diana Soft are making porn using Apple's new VR device—and the headset stays on during sex.
layoffs
Best Buy Geek Squad Agents ‘Going Sleeper’ After Mass Layoffs
Laid-off employees say they weren't given notice, and were instead given notice via email about a "work from home" event.
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Posting, and Pissed Off About Art
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 posting through it, art that pisses people off, and convos with the FBI.
News
This Camera Turns Every Photo Into a Nude
NUCA, a 3D printed prototype camera and art project, uses AI to instantly generate a nude of any subject.
AI
A ‘Law Firm’ of AI Generated Lawyers Is Sending Fake Threats as an SEO Scam
Backlink scams are now leveraging fake, AI-generated 'lawyers' and DMCA trolling to try to pressure site owners to link to their 'clients.'
News
Google Books Is Indexing AI-Generated Garbage
Google said it will continue to evaluate its approach “as the world of book publishing evolves.”