Impact
At 404 Media, we are particularly focused on doing journalism that has real-world impact. These are articles where we can trace a direct line between our work and tangible policy change.
12 posts
Impact
FTC Fines Avast $16.5 Million For Selling Browsing Data Harvested by Antivirus
I previously revealed that Jumpshot, part of the cybersecurity company Avast, was selling products based on users’ browsing data harvested by its antivirus software. Now the FTC has issued a multimillion dollar fine in response.
Impact
‘Neural Network’ Fake ID Site Goes Dark After 404 Media Investigation
OnlyFake said it used “neural networks” as part of its automated fake ID generation service. The site has gone offline after 404 Media tested and exposed the service.
Impact
YouTube Deletes 1,000 Videos of Celebrity AI Scam Ads
But plenty of deepfake scam videos are still on the platform.
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.
Impact
Civitai and OctoML Introduce Radical New Measures to Stop Abuse After 404 Media Investigation
The moves come after 404 Media revealed the a16z funded AI platform was being used to generate images that "could be categorized as child pornography."
Impact
MTA Privacy Issue Potentially Exposed Months Worth of Trip Histories to Stalkers
This is the second feature the MTA has disabled around New York City’s contactless payment system after 404 Media highlighted room for abuse.
Impact
Taylor Swift Facial Recognition TikTok Deletes Videos After 404 Media Investigation
A viral account was using facial recognition tech to dox random people on the internet, causing distress to victims. The account has now deleted its dozens of videos.
News
Site for Generating Non-Consensual AI Porn Restricts Content Following 404 Media Investigation
“Time to try a new hobby,” one Mage user said in response to the new restrictions.
News
AI Image Company Rebrands After 404 Media Investigation
On Wednesday 404 Media reported Kaedim had promised AI-powered 2D to 3D conversions, but had actually used human workers. Hours later, Kaedim rebranded its website and messaging.
News
NYC Subway Will Disable ‘Feature’ That Leaked Trip History After 404 Media Investigation
Around 24 hours after 404 Media published its investigation the MTA says it will disable the feature, which an expert said was a “great fit” for abusers.
News
‘Life or Death:’ AI-Generated Mushroom Foraging Books Are All Over Amazon
Experts are worried that books produced by ChatGPT for sale on Amazon, which target beginner foragers, could end up killing someone.
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The Secret Weapon Hackers Can Use to Dox Nearly Anyone in America for $15
Most Americans have very little choice but to provide their personal information to credit bureaus. Hackers have found a way into that data supply chain, and are advertising access in group chats used by violent criminals who rob, assault, and shoot targets.