News
Iran Is Winning the AI Slop Propaganda War
“White House videos—AI or otherwise—are like group-chat in-jokes aimed at keeping cohesion.”
Instagram Will Automatically Blur Nudes in Direct Messages
This will also apply to end-to-end encrypted messages, because the processing is done on device, according to Meta.
News
How Hackers Can Hijack 2FA Calls with Sneaky Call Forwarding
In a crude but potentially effective attack, a hacker sends a malicious link which quickly sets up call forwarding for a target’s phone number. The result is the interception of 2FA calls, including for Gmail.
science
Paper-Crumpling Study About the Nature of Anger Is the Best Thing I've Read in a Long Time
Science has found that writing down your feelings and performatively disposing of them can make you less angry.
Music
These Songs Are Still Legal in Chechnya
Making 80 to 116 BPM music illegal won't stop stomp-clap or ska.
Features
Inside the ‘Com World War’: Robberies, Brickings, and ‘Drama’
A wave of robberies and other violent acts has swept across the nebulous crime culture known as Com. I watched it all unfold in real time.
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.