Politics
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algorithm woes
TikTok Pushed Young German Voters Toward Far-Right Party
Young Germans searching TikTok for parties and candidates were disproportionately served content related to the the far-right Alternative for Germany, says a new report shared exclusively with WIRED.
David Gilbert
Surprise! The Latest ‘Comprehensive’ US Privacy Bill Is Doomed
Gutted of civil rights protections by Democrats to woo pro-business Republicans, the American Privacy Rights Act was pulled from a key congressional hearing—and appears unlikely to receive a full vote.
Dell Cameron
Secrecy Concerns Mount Over Spy Powers Targeting US Data Centers
A coalition of digital rights groups is demanding the US declassify records that would clarify just how expansive a major surveillance program really is.
Dell Cameron
The Affordable Connectivity Program Has a Lifeline in the Senate
The ACP provided a broadband subsidy for millions of Americans. Now Congress has a plan to reinstate it.
Makena Kelly
FCC Closes ‘Fast Lane’ Loophole in Final Net Neutrality Order
The agency released a final order clarifying that pay-to-play internet “fast lanes” for consumers violate its net neutrality rules. It also guarantees the new rules won't preempt state broadband affordability programs.
Makena Kelly
How Disinformation From a Russian AI Spam Farm Ended up on Top of Google Search Results
A fake article about Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife buying a $4.8 million Bugatti with US aid was promoted by bots, Russia state media, and pro-Trump influencers on X. It’s part of a network of websites supercharged by AI.
David Gilbert
How Influencers and Algorithms Are Creating Bespoke Realities for Everyone
Disinformation researcher Renée DiResta's new book lays out how people’s realities are shaped not by facts and evidence, but by black boxes, niche celebrities, and online communities.
David Gilbert
Conspiracy Theorists Aren’t Even Bothering With Biden’s Debate Performance
Before the debate, far-right influencers and even Trump himself flooded the internet with Biden conspiracies. Now they’re just sharing real clips.
David Gilbert
A Russian Propaganda Network Is Promoting an AI-Manipulated Biden Video
Experts tell WIRED that Russian disinformation campaigns are using generative AI more and more.
David Gilbert
There’s an AI Candidate Running for Parliament in the UK
If it wins, “AI Steve” will be represented by businessman Steve Endacott in Parliament. Endacott says he’ll merely be a conduit, and the AI will make the policy decisions.
Vittoria Elliott
Russia Is Targeting Germany With Fake Information as Europe Votes
A European Commission spokesperson says Russia is focusing on Germany more than any other EU country—and estimates the Kremlin is spending €1 billion on disinformation campaigns.
Morgan Meaker
The Pirate Party Survived Mutiny and Scandal. Now It’s Trying to Rewrite the Rules of the Web
File-sharing site The Pirate Bay sparked a copyright revolution. Twenty years on, the political movement it inspired is pitching for power in the European elections. If it succeeds, it could reshape the internet.
Morgan Meaker
How Donald Trump Could Weaponize US Surveillance in a Second Term
Donald Trump has vowed to go after political enemies, undocumented immigrants, and others if he wins. Experts warn he could easily turn the surveillance state against his targets.
Thor Benson
Far-Right Extremists Call for Violence and War After Trump Shooting
"They should all be hung in the streets," one person wrote of Democrats, the media, and others. "War now," another wrote.
David Gilbert
Elon Musk ‘Fully Endorses’ Donald Trump After Deadly Rally Shooting
“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Elon Musk posted on X after the incident.
Makena Kelly
The Kamala Harris Conspiracies Are Here
The far right is already spreading conspiracies about Vice President Kamala Harris after speculation that she may replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee.
Leah Feiger
This Is the Moment RFK Jr. Has Been Waiting For
Since the presidential debate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign has heavily leaned into X and TikTok as part of its strategy to get the third-party candidate into the national conversation. It’s working.
Vittoria Elliott
Latest
Election 2024
The Right Is Blaming Women and DEI for the Secret Service’s Failure in Trump Shooting
David Gilbert
WIRED Health
The UK’s NHS Going Digital Would Be Equivalent to Hiring Thousands of New Doctors
João Medeiros
talk therapy
Supreme Court Rules That US Government Can Continue Talking to Social Media Companies
Vittoria Elliott
WIRED Politics Lab
Big Tech Is Giving Campaigns Both the Venom and the Antidote for GenAI
Makena Kelly