Alice Marwick

Alice Marwick, the Director of Research at Data & Society, dives into the murky waters of online disinformation and conspiracy theories. She reveals why seemingly bizarre ideas draw so much interest, linking these beliefs to feelings of disenfranchisement. The discussion highlights the complex relationship between personal identity and misinformation, emphasizes the need for systemic change in privacy protections, and urges a focus on shared human experiences to counteract divisions. This is a call to rethink how we engage with the internet to uplift marginalized voices.

Alice Marwick, Director of Research at Data & Society, dives into the dark side of generative AI and its role in amplifying fraud. She reveals how scams have become automated and prevalent, casting a wide net beyond traditional victims. Topics include the chilling effects of AI on job applications and the rise of fake job ads, which mislead both investors and job seekers. Marwick stresses the need for vigilance, collaborative education, and proactive measures to combat the automation of fraud amid increasing social vulnerabilities.

Max Read, a seasoned journalist and editor, joins Alice Marwick, a research director focusing on technology's societal impacts, along with Jason Koebler, an investigative journalist, to discuss the alarming rise of AI-generated deepfake videos. They explore how OpenAI’s Sora app makes creating convincing videos effortless and its implications for trust and disinformation. The trio debates the urgent need for regulation, the potential harassments linked to video likeness sharing, and the risks AI poses to political integrity and public trust.

Anya Schiffrin, Columbia SIPA tech policy co-director who led regional consultations, and Alice Marwick, Data & Society research director studying online misinformation. They map industrialized deepfake financial fraud, trace the scam supply chain and platform ad roles. They discuss telecom and banking interventions, cross-border organized crime challenges, and policy ideas like watermarking and advertiser KYC.

In this engaging discussion, guests Lana Swartz and Alice Marwick dive into the dark world of AI-enabled scams. Lana, a media studies professor, highlights how economic precarity and side-hustle culture fuel scams. Alice, a social scientist, exposes the alarming role of human trafficking in scam operations. They explore how generative AI automates fraud by crafting personalized scripts targeting vulnerability, while also debating whether AI could reduce human trafficking. Their insights shed light on the terrifying interplay between technology and exploitation.