Understood: Deepfake Porn Empire
CBC
Deepfake porn is a billion-click industry built on stolen faces, while the people making it hide theirs behind screens. Hosted by journalist Sam Cole, Understood: Deepfake Porn Empire traces the decades-long rise of synthetic porn, the targets who are fighting back, and the global investigation that led to its Canadian kingpin.Understood takes you deep inside the seismic shifts reshaping our world right now. From online porn and crypto chaos to the rise of tech oligarchs, deepfake AI, and the broken promises of the internet — we explore the stories that define our digital age with hosts and characters embedded in the heart of the action.Season 1 - The Naked Emperor: the rise and fall of bitcoin king Sam Bankman-Fried.Season 2 - The Pornhub Empire: the story of how a Montreal-founded company came to dominate the adult industry.Season 3 - Modi’s India: how one man rose from poverty to the peak of political power.Season 4 - Céline: the surprising cultural, political and business alchemy that created a superstar.Season 5 - Who Broke the Internet? The internet sucks now, and it happened on purpose.Season 6 - The Making of Elon Musk: exploring the little known side of the polarizing billionaire
Episodes
Mentioned books
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Jun 5, 2024 • 18min
BONUS: Modi’s weak win
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have narrowly won a third term, but without a majority government, his grip on power appears weaker than ever. On this bonus episode of Modi’s India: Understood, host Salimah Shivji and producer Joyita Sengupta talk about the surprising results of the Indian election. Access the transcript for this episode here.
May 27, 2024 • 43min
Modi's India Episode 4: The Storyteller
Exploring Modi's leadership qualities and the evolution of Indian cinema, the podcast delves into the impact of political influence on creative freedom in the media industry. It also discusses Modi's rhetoric and Muslim exclusion, the political landscape in India, and the themes of unity and resilience in modern India.
May 20, 2024 • 38min
Modi's India Episode 3: The Strongman
Exploring Modi's strong leadership image, the podcast delves into escalating tensions and civil unrest in India, including crackdowns on dissent and accusations of government ties to assassination plots. It also covers the farmer protests in Punjab and the resurgence of Khalistani elements amidst the civil movements, shedding light on the challenges to Modi's authority.
May 13, 2024 • 32min
Modi's India Episode 2: Development Man
Exploring Narendra Modi's rise to power, from controversial past to economic reforms. Discussion on his efforts to attract investments and focus on sanitation issues. Analysis of vigilante violence against Muslims, rise of Hindu nationalism, and Modi's development agenda for a strong India.
May 13, 2024 • 33min
Modi's India Episode 1: Emperor of Hindu Hearts
Narendra Modi's rise from humble beginnings as a tea seller to India's powerful leader. Discusses the opening of a temple in Ayodhya, Modi's success despite religious riots, and his political journey from chai walla to Chief Minister amidst controversies and accusations. Explores the aftermath of the Godhra incident, Modi's political strategy, and his rise to power through promises and support from Hindu voters.
Apr 24, 2024 • 2min
Modi's India: Season 3 of Understood
How did one man rise from poverty to the peak of political power and secure the adoration of nearly one billion people? And how did he overcome accusations — that he denies — of complicity in religious violence and alleged international assassination plots?In the latest season of Understood, Mumbai-based journalist Salimah Shivji examines the remarkable rise, and incredible power that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acquired. And as his country embarks on a massive election, Shivji asks the pressing question: what’s at stake if he wins again? Coming May 13, 2024.
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11 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 39min
The Pornhub Empire Episode 4: Cleanup crew
In this insightful discussion, Solomon Friedman, Vice President of Compliance at Ethical Capital Partners and a criminal defense lawyer, sheds light on the evolving landscape of adult content. He explores the crucial role of age verification laws and their impact on young audiences. Friedman also addresses the challenges faced by sex workers after payment processors withdrew, emphasizing the need for dignity and safety. The conversation delves into Pornhub's efforts to rebuild its reputation amid scrutiny and how new management is tackling trust and moderation issues in the industry.
Mar 25, 2024 • 32min
The Pornhub Empire Episode 3: Pornhub’s disgrace
Jane was coerced into making a pornographic film, and told it would never be shared online. Then, it was posted on Pornhub, over and over again. How did a scandal involving the hosting of sexual abuse material seriously damage the lives of many and nearly destroy the company? This is episode 3 of The Pornhub Empire: Understood. Hosted by Samantha Cole.Full transcript here.
Mar 18, 2024 • 24min
The Pornhub Empire Episode 2: Pornhub goes mainstream
Not only did Pornhub become a massive moneymaker, it also helped push porn into the spotlight by using data, clever PR, and the power of celebrity. How did Pornhub make itself a household name? This is episode 2 of The Pornhub Empire: Understood. Hosted by Samantha Cole.Full transcript here.
6 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 27min
The Pornhub Empire Episode 1: Free porn for everyone
Discover how a group of foosball players created the largest online porn site. From VHS tapes to the subprime mortgage crisis, uncover the intriguing origins of Pornhub. Explore the impact of user-generated content and piracy on the adult film industry. Learn about the effects of free porn on artists' self-worth and industry consolidation in the tube site era.
