Alexios Mantzarlis
@mantzarlis.com
Tech, facts, and carbonara.
mantzarlis.com
mantzarlis.com
Pinned
‘Digital desecrations’: when deepfakes are used to mock tragic deaths and what platforms should do about it
Synthetic videos of Renée Good are the latest form of technology-facilitated dehumanization
indicator.media
New: I found more than 20 deepfake videos re-enacting or re-imagining the final moments of Renée Good's life.
These videos mocking a tragic death, which I'm calling "digital desecrations," are the most extreme version of a pervasive trend within generative AI of 'resurrecting' the dead.
These videos mocking a tragic death, which I'm calling "digital desecrations," are the most extreme version of a pervasive trend within generative AI of 'resurrecting' the dead.
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
"Crying girls will make you rich."
That's the actual pitch from a marketer selling packages of emotional videos that brands use to flood TikTok with undisclosed ads.
I just published an investigation into industrial UGC campaigns. What I found is troubling. 🧵 indicator.media/p/crying-gir...
That's the actual pitch from a marketer selling packages of emotional videos that brands use to flood TikTok with undisclosed ads.
I just published an investigation into industrial UGC campaigns. What I found is troubling. 🧵 indicator.media/p/crying-gir...
“Crying girls will make you rich”: How marketers trick users with mass-produced "organic" content
Indicator analyzed UGC campaigns that generated over 2 billion TikTok views and found rampant violations of disclosure rules.
indicator.media
February 10, 2026 at 2:54 PM
"Crying girls will make you rich."
That's the actual pitch from a marketer selling packages of emotional videos that brands use to flood TikTok with undisclosed ads.
I just published an investigation into industrial UGC campaigns. What I found is troubling. 🧵 indicator.media/p/crying-gir...
That's the actual pitch from a marketer selling packages of emotional videos that brands use to flood TikTok with undisclosed ads.
I just published an investigation into industrial UGC campaigns. What I found is troubling. 🧵 indicator.media/p/crying-gir...
Missed this last week:
"In a UNICEF, ECPAT and INTERPOL study across 11 countries, at least 1.2 million children disclosed having had their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes in the past year."
"In a UNICEF, ECPAT and INTERPOL study across 11 countries, at least 1.2 million children disclosed having had their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes in the past year."
‘Deepfake abuse is abuse’
Statement by UNICEF on AI-generated sexualised images of children
www.unicef.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Missed this last week:
"In a UNICEF, ECPAT and INTERPOL study across 11 countries, at least 1.2 million children disclosed having had their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes in the past year."
"In a UNICEF, ECPAT and INTERPOL study across 11 countries, at least 1.2 million children disclosed having had their images manipulated into sexually explicit deepfakes in the past year."
Ho costruito una visualizzazione dei risultati nei test INVALSI delle scuole primarie romane visto che raggiungere i dati dal sito del ministero richiede una dozzina di clic e non c'è modo di confrontare gli istituti
urbe.media/scuola
urbe.media/scuola
February 9, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Ho costruito una visualizzazione dei risultati nei test INVALSI delle scuole primarie romane visto che raggiungere i dati dal sito del ministero richiede una dozzina di clic e non c'è modo di confrontare gli istituti
urbe.media/scuola
urbe.media/scuola
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
Acive duty military are being ordered to buy a ticket to Melania and watch it, whether they want to, or not. www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/mil...
Military Pressured to See ‘Melania’ Against Their Will
A military group has evidence of troops being ordered into theater—the movie theater.
www.thedailybeast.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:06 AM
Acive duty military are being ordered to buy a ticket to Melania and watch it, whether they want to, or not. www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/mil...
X has taken one more step towards handing Community Notes over to the machines.
I understand the motive and don't even think it is net negative from a quality perspective.
But for a project meant to bring content moderation into the hands of users, this is the wrong direction of travel.
I understand the motive and don't even think it is net negative from a quality perspective.
But for a project meant to bring content moderation into the hands of users, this is the wrong direction of travel.
Briefing: X wants humans and AI to fact-check together
Plus: a world map of OSINT tools and methods for investigating GitHub.
indicator.media
February 6, 2026 at 3:37 PM
X has taken one more step towards handing Community Notes over to the machines.
I understand the motive and don't even think it is net negative from a quality perspective.
But for a project meant to bring content moderation into the hands of users, this is the wrong direction of travel.
I understand the motive and don't even think it is net negative from a quality perspective.
But for a project meant to bring content moderation into the hands of users, this is the wrong direction of travel.
le grand sigh
"Grok produced images on the first attempt for all five tests. Gemini produced convincing images in four of five cases, but only when provided with authentic images of public figures to use as a reference. ChatGPT refused to comply to all five prompts."
via @newsguard.bsky.social
"Grok produced images on the first attempt for all five tests. Gemini produced convincing images in four of five cases, but only when provided with authentic images of public figures to use as a reference. ChatGPT refused to comply to all five prompts."
via @newsguard.bsky.social
AI Tools Willingly Generate Fake Epstein Images
NewsGuard prompted three leading AI image generators to depict politicians in compromising positions with Jeffrey Epstein. The fakes were easy to produce.
www.newsguardrealitycheck.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:37 PM
le grand sigh
"Grok produced images on the first attempt for all five tests. Gemini produced convincing images in four of five cases, but only when provided with authentic images of public figures to use as a reference. ChatGPT refused to comply to all five prompts."
via @newsguard.bsky.social
"Grok produced images on the first attempt for all five tests. Gemini produced convincing images in four of five cases, but only when provided with authentic images of public figures to use as a reference. ChatGPT refused to comply to all five prompts."
via @newsguard.bsky.social
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
Wrote about some of the history of the Wyden Siren from @wyden.senate.gov and why we should take it VERY seriously when he sends a cryptic letter like he did yesterday.
The Wyden Siren: Senator’s Cryptic CIA Letter Follows A Pattern That’s Never Been Wrong
If you've been paying attention to surveillance and civil liberties issues over the past fifteen years, you've likely learned to recognize a particular pattern. Senator Ron Wyden will occasionally send a public…
If you've been paying attention to surveillance and civil liberties issues over the past fifteen years, you've likely learned to recognize a particular pattern. Senator Ron Wyden will occasionally send a public…
The Wyden Siren: Senator’s Cryptic CIA Letter Follows A Pattern That’s Never Been Wrong
If you've been paying attention to surveillance and civil liberties issues over the past fifteen years, you've likely learned to recognize a particular pattern. Senator Ron Wyden will occasionally send a public letter that essentially says "hey, I can't tell you what's happening because it's classified, but something really bad is going on and you should all be paying attention."
www.techdirt.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Wrote about some of the history of the Wyden Siren from @wyden.senate.gov and why we should take it VERY seriously when he sends a cryptic letter like he did yesterday.
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
We at the @postguild.bsky.social are raising money for the hundreds of journalists the Post just laid off. This goes to the people who are hurting, not the Post. Or if you'd rather, go subscribe to an independent journalist. Support is hugely appreciated.
www.gofundme.com/f/standing-t...
www.gofundme.com/f/standing-t...
Donate to Washington Post 2026 layoff fund, organized by Rachel Siegel
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, The Washington Post laid off hundreds of journalists. We ar… Rachel Siegel needs your support for Washington Post 2026 layoff fund
www.gofundme.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
We at the @postguild.bsky.social are raising money for the hundreds of journalists the Post just laid off. This goes to the people who are hurting, not the Post. Or if you'd rather, go subscribe to an independent journalist. Support is hugely appreciated.
www.gofundme.com/f/standing-t...
www.gofundme.com/f/standing-t...
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Washington Post Begins Sweeping Layoffs
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:11 PM
NEWS: The cuts were so severe that at least one department head asked to leave The Post rather than be included in the planning.
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Peter Finn, The Post's international editor, requested that he be laid off once he learned about the scope of the cuts to his section.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...
Nitasha is one of the absolute best on the tech beat. What a nonsensical and self-harming move.
My story on Elon Musk cutting safeguards at xAI is on the front page of today's @washingtonpost.com. I’m also among 100’s of reporters laid off. I absolutely loved my job my brilliant coworkers & the thrill of reporting @ the center of forces upending the world: AI & Silicon Valley’s political power
February 4, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Nitasha is one of the absolute best on the tech beat. What a nonsensical and self-harming move.
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
We gotta come up with a better system than “everything rests on whether these twelve billionnaires are nice”
February 4, 2026 at 7:41 PM
We gotta come up with a better system than “everything rests on whether these twelve billionnaires are nice”
Grok is erasing the leader of India's opposition when being asked to remove "the terrorist sympathiser".
Grok's 'Terrorist' Test: Musk's AI Erases Muslims, Dissidents Based On Appearance | BOOM
Decode found that X’s AI chatbot Grok enabled the targeting of minorities, where vague prompts like “remove the terrorist” led the tool to erase people from images based on clothing and appearance.
www.boomlive.in
February 4, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Grok is erasing the leader of India's opposition when being asked to remove "the terrorist sympathiser".
Today on Indicator: How much does a TikTok account cost?
Well, it depends. But on one prolific marketplace I track, you can get a handle for anywhere from 95¢ to $235.
Well, it depends. But on one prolific marketplace I track, you can get a handle for anywhere from 95¢ to $235.
How much does a TikTok account cost?
In one prolific WhatsApp group, anywhere between 95¢ and $235
indicator.media
February 4, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Today on Indicator: How much does a TikTok account cost?
Well, it depends. But on one prolific marketplace I track, you can get a handle for anywhere from 95¢ to $235.
Well, it depends. But on one prolific marketplace I track, you can get a handle for anywhere from 95¢ to $235.
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
happening this morning in Minneapolis -- ICE agents drawing guns on observers. I reiterate again that it is only a matter of time before DHS kills more innocent people in Minnesota. Congress needs to shut this shit down right now.
February 3, 2026 at 4:19 PM
happening this morning in Minneapolis -- ICE agents drawing guns on observers. I reiterate again that it is only a matter of time before DHS kills more innocent people in Minnesota. Congress needs to shut this shit down right now.
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
"Without writers, editors, photographers, and photo editors, our company will incur almost no expenses when putting out Total Crap."
Introducing Total Crap, the First Magazine Written Entirely by AI
Amid doomsaying pronouncements that the publishing industry is dead, we are proud to bring the written word into the future with revolutionary tech...
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 6:20 PM
"Without writers, editors, photographers, and photo editors, our company will incur almost no expenses when putting out Total Crap."
Any recommendations for an Icelandic novel to bring with me on a trip to Iceland later this month?
(Ideally something newer than Laxness.)
(Ideally something newer than Laxness.)
February 3, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Any recommendations for an Icelandic novel to bring with me on a trip to Iceland later this month?
(Ideally something newer than Laxness.)
(Ideally something newer than Laxness.)
"The loss of the theatrical rights is attributed to the Lake Theater’s marquee messages for the documentary.
These included: 'DOES MELANIA WEAR PRADA? FIND OUT FRIDAY!' and 'TO DEFEAT YOUR ENEMY. YOU MUST KNOW THEM. MELANIA.'"
These included: 'DOES MELANIA WEAR PRADA? FIND OUT FRIDAY!' and 'TO DEFEAT YOUR ENEMY. YOU MUST KNOW THEM. MELANIA.'"
Lake Theater & Cafe announced that it will no longer show “Melania,” the Amazon Studios documentary about the first lady, after Amazon revoked the theater’s rights to the film.
Lake Oswego theater loses rights to screen 'Melania' after marquee jokes - Lake Oswego Review
Lake Theater & Cafe announced that it will no longer show “Melania,” the Amazon Studios documentary about the first lady, after Amazon revoked the theater’s rights to the film. “Got […]
lakeoswegoreview.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:54 PM
"The loss of the theatrical rights is attributed to the Lake Theater’s marquee messages for the documentary.
These included: 'DOES MELANIA WEAR PRADA? FIND OUT FRIDAY!' and 'TO DEFEAT YOUR ENEMY. YOU MUST KNOW THEM. MELANIA.'"
These included: 'DOES MELANIA WEAR PRADA? FIND OUT FRIDAY!' and 'TO DEFEAT YOUR ENEMY. YOU MUST KNOW THEM. MELANIA.'"
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
New: Together with colleagues I’ve been testing Grok.
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
Exclusive: Despite new curbs, Elon Musk’s Grok at times produces sexualized images - even when told subjects didn’t consent
Elon Musk’s flagship artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, continues to generate sexualized images of people even when users explicitly warn that the subjects do not consent, Reuters has found.
www.reuters.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:37 AM
New: Together with colleagues I’ve been testing Grok.
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
Craig and I were tired of going to the Bar for Newsletter Dudes and getting asked "Bros, do you even *have* a podcast?" -- so we launched one.
Our first guest is @jeffhorwitz.bsky.social of "Facebook Files" fame. Jeff loves LinkedIn and handling bees.
Check out Show & Tell from @indicator.media:
Our first guest is @jeffhorwitz.bsky.social of "Facebook Files" fame. Jeff loves LinkedIn and handling bees.
Check out Show & Tell from @indicator.media:
Using Internal Docs, Burner Accounts and Ad Library Research to Expose Meta's Scam Ad Business
YouTube video by Indicator
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Craig and I were tired of going to the Bar for Newsletter Dudes and getting asked "Bros, do you even *have* a podcast?" -- so we launched one.
Our first guest is @jeffhorwitz.bsky.social of "Facebook Files" fame. Jeff loves LinkedIn and handling bees.
Check out Show & Tell from @indicator.media:
Our first guest is @jeffhorwitz.bsky.social of "Facebook Files" fame. Jeff loves LinkedIn and handling bees.
Check out Show & Tell from @indicator.media:
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
Haiti’s TPS continues for now!!!!! And zowie: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.283214/gov.uscourts.dcd.283214.124.0_1.pdf
February 3, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Haiti’s TPS continues for now!!!!! And zowie: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.283214/gov.uscourts.dcd.283214.124.0_1.pdf
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
The last time he started talking like this, his allies minimized the risks and we ended up with January 6. This time we must take him literally and seriously. These comments are a five-alarm fire for democracy. In a functioning republic, he would be impeached and removed from office today.
February 2, 2026 at 9:04 PM
The last time he started talking like this, his allies minimized the risks and we ended up with January 6. This time we must take him literally and seriously. These comments are a five-alarm fire for democracy. In a functioning republic, he would be impeached and removed from office today.
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
“The United States is responsible for about 95 percent of the money owed to the United Nations” really should have been the headline here
U.N. Says It’s in Danger of Financial Collapse Because of Unpaid Dues
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:17 PM
“The United States is responsible for about 95 percent of the money owed to the United Nations” really should have been the headline here
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
Elon Musk, refusing: "Hey man, when can I come to Epstein Island"
January 30, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Elon Musk, refusing: "Hey man, when can I come to Epstein Island"
Reposted by Alexios Mantzarlis
No no no no no no no no
January 30, 2026 at 6:12 PM
No no no no no no no no