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Adi Robertson

Adi Robertson

Senior Editor, Tech & Policy

Senior Editor, Tech & Policy

    More From Adi Robertson

    Adi Robertson
    Adi Robertson
    X has another AI porn problem.

    This time it involves not Taylor Swift, but comedian Bobbi Althoff, who’s become a target for users chasing clout with nonconsensual faked nudes under X’s anemic moderation:

    One of the most popular posts directing viewers to the video remained online after more than 30 hours. Another post, which promised to “send full Bobbi Althoff leaks to everyone who like and comment,” was online for 20 hours — X removed it after The Washington Post sought comment on the fakes. By the time it was removed, the video post had been viewed more than 5 million times.

    Bobbi Althoff deepfake spotlights X’s role as a top source of AI porn

    [The Washington Post]

    Google apologizes for ‘missing the mark’ after Gemini generated racially diverse NazisGoogle apologizes for ‘missing the mark’ after Gemini generated racially diverse Nazis
    Adi Robertson
    Adi Robertson
    Problems that impact people: too much of a bummer for Threads and Instagram.

    The Washington Post has been pushing Meta on what its recent decision to stop recommending “political” content and “social topics” on Threads and Instagram means, and it’s culminated in this illuminating quote from Meta spokeswoman Claire Lerner:

    “Social topics can include content that identifies a problem that impacts people and is caused by the action or inaction of others, which can include issues like international relations or crime.”

    So there you have it! It’s yet another indication that Meta is trying to avoid anything getting too contentious on its platforms — but a definition that might not sit well with anyone who’s interested in even the mildest forms of activism online.

    Analysis | Meta is downplaying “political content.” Here’s what that really means.

    [Washington Post]

    You sound like a bot

    AI used to be weird. Now ‘sounds like a bot’ is just shorthand for boring.

    Adi Robertson
    Why does Apple make it so hard to share the Vision Pro?Why does Apple make it so hard to share the Vision Pro?
    Adi Robertson
    Adi Robertson
    Good news for Trump’s Twitter clone.

    The Washington Post reports that Truth Social has the Securities and Exchange Commission’s go-ahead to complete its SPAC merger, taking the company public and unlocking around $300 million after years of uncertainty. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of drama:

    A federal prosecution of three early Digital World investors, who investigators said made tens of millions of dollars in insider trades related to the merger deal, is also scheduled to go to trial in April. In a superseding indictment filed last week in federal court, prosecutors added a charge of money laundering to one investor, Michael Shvartsman, saying he used some of his profits to buy a $14 million luxury yacht he later renamed “Provocateur.”

    Truth Social merger deal wins key approval, a victory for Trump

    [The Washington Post]

    Terrorists are allegedly buying blue checks on XTerrorists are allegedly buying blue checks on X
    Adi Robertson
    Adi Robertson
    A really good paper on AI, law, and child abuse.

    Child sexual abuse material is a well-known exception to the First Amendment, but the law around AI-generated simulations of it is vastly more complicated. Lawfare’s new analysis addresses some of my longstanding questions — along with others I hadn’t even thought to ask, including the status of tools that accidentally train on CSAM. It’s long, but if you’re interested in how AI will test the criminal justice and legal systems, absolutely worth the read.

    Addressing Computer-Generated Child Sex Abuse Imagery: Legal Framework and Policy Implications

    [Lawfare]

    Adi Robertson
    Adi Robertson
    The Justice Department is still gunning for Ticketmaster.

    But according to Bloomberg’s Leah Nylen, it’s delayed plans to file an antitrust complaint from late 2023 to sometime this year, continuing its investigation into the company’s business practices. It’s reportedly not too happy with Ticketmaster’s response, either:

    Antitrust enforcers, who have been investigating the company for more than a year, have been frustrated with Ticketmaster over how slowly it has responded to the Justice Department’s requests, said two of the people. Because of that, the Justice Department has been forced to rely on third-parties to help make its case. In December, the Justice Department sent follow-up information requests to rival ticketing platforms, said two other people familiar with the matter.

    Ticketmaster (LYV) Antitrust Probe Ramps Up With New Document Requests

    [Bloomberg]

    Adi Robertson
    Adi Robertson
    The dominoes are falling: Snap, X, and Microsoft all support KOSA.

    Mashable’s Matt Binder pulls out a good note from today’s child safety hearing: X CEO Linda Yaccarino says she supports the Kids Online Safety Act, a bill that poses serious risks to online speech. Microsoft’s Brad Smith also came out in favor of KOSA yesterday, and Snap endorsed it prior to the hearing.

    Meta, Discord, and TikTok’s CEOs continued to hold off — saying they applauded KOSA’s goals but stopping short of supporting the bill.

    Elon Musk’s X comes out in favor of pro-censorship law

    [Mashable]

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    5. Smart rings are looking like my kind of AI gadget