Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff Exposing the Billionaire Funding Behind AI Safety Movements (w/ Kat Tenbarge)
14 snips
Apr 8, 2026 
Kat Tenbarge, investigative internet journalist and founder of Spitfire News, uncovers opaque funding and political ties behind AI safety movements. She digs into non-consensual deepfake networks, how they are monetized, and payment pathways. She also explores online harassment turning violent, regulatory capture by big tech, and the costs of reporting on influencer abuse.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Prioritize Data Privacy Over Age Verification
- Push comprehensive data privacy laws rather than identity-based age verification.
- Kat argues privacy rules would force companies to retain less data, preventing the amplification of surveillance via verification systems.
Big Tech Funds Influence AI Safety Agenda
- Big tech and wealthy backers shape AI safety coalitions and legislation.
- Kat traces cross-funding between groups like Center for AI Safety, Elon Musk investments, and child-safety advocacy steering the agenda.
Deepfakes Hurt Everyday People Most
- Deepfakes disproportionately harm non-celebrities because viewers may believe authenticity.
- Kat explains everyday victims, including teenagers, face real reputational and emotional damage unlike obvious celebrity fakes.