The Vergecast: Ad-Free Edition Truth and AI in Minneapolis
Jan 27, 2026
Adi Robertson, tech reporter covering misinformation and AI, explains how videos and AI imagery shaped reactions to the Minneapolis killing and what changed with TikTok’s new US-centric version. Nick Quah, podcast critic and writer, digs into Netflix’s push into podcasts and whether video-first moves are rewriting the form. Multiple short conversations about platform shifts, AI-altered visuals, and the future of audio.
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TikTok's Split Raises New Trust Questions
- TikTok's US restructure centers on keeping US data and a new algorithm but remains a black box until the algorithm and controls are visible.
- Ownership (Oracle, Silver Lake, Larry Ellison) changes political and trust dynamics even if legal terms don't add new powers.
TikTok Could Become 'X' Not A Privacy Win
- The best-case TikTok outcome is 'capitalism works' but the more likely path mirrors X: slow, opaque changes serving owner priorities.
- Users will notice short-term breaks; long-term accountability depends on external pressure and transparency.
Use Researchers To Audit Platform Changes
- Watch researchers and academics to test whether TikTok's algorithm and data controls truly change.
- Expect noise from creators claiming censorship; rely on systematic audits and documented behavior over anecdotes.