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Politics has never been stranger—or more online. Sign up for our WIRED Politics Lab newsletter and listen to our WIRED Politics Lab podcast to let the our Politics team guide you through the vortex of extremism, conspiracies, and disinformation.

WIRED Podcasts

Silicon Valley Is Coconuts for Kamala Harris

Prominent names in Big Tech are rallying behind Kamala Harris following Joe Biden’s exit from the presidential race.

Surprise! The Latest ‘Comprehensive’ US Privacy Bill Is Doomed

Gutted of civil rights protections by Democrats to woo pro-business Republicans, the American Privacy Rights Act was pulled from a key congressional hearing—and appears unlikely to receive a full vote.

Secrecy Concerns Mount Over Spy Powers Targeting US Data Centers

A coalition of digital rights groups is demanding the US declassify records that would clarify just how expansive a major surveillance program really is.

The Affordable Connectivity Program Has a Lifeline in the Senate

The ACP provided a broadband subsidy for millions of Americans. Now Congress has a plan to reinstate it.

FCC Closes ‘Fast Lane’ Loophole in Final Net Neutrality Order

The agency released a final order clarifying that pay-to-play internet “fast lanes” for consumers violate its net neutrality rules. It also guarantees the new rules won't preempt state broadband affordability programs.

How Disinformation From a Russian AI Spam Farm Ended up on Top of Google Search Results

A fake article about Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife buying a $4.8 million Bugatti with US aid was promoted by bots, Russia state media, and pro-Trump influencers on X. It’s part of a network of websites supercharged by AI.

How Influencers and Algorithms Are Creating Bespoke Realities for Everyone

Disinformation researcher Renée DiResta's new book lays out how people’s realities are shaped not by facts and evidence, but by black boxes, niche celebrities, and online communities.

Conspiracy Theorists Aren’t Even Bothering With Biden’s Debate Performance

Before the debate, far-right influencers and even Trump himself flooded the internet with Biden conspiracies. Now they’re just sharing real clips.

A Russian Propaganda Network Is Promoting an AI-Manipulated Biden Video

Experts tell WIRED that Russian disinformation campaigns are using generative AI more and more.

TikTok Pushed Young German Voters Toward Far-Right Party

Young Germans searching TikTok for parties and candidates were disproportionately served content related to the the far-right Alternative for Germany, says a new report shared exclusively with WIRED.

There’s an AI Candidate Running for Parliament in the UK

If it wins, “AI Steve” will be represented by businessman Steve Endacott in Parliament. Endacott says he’ll merely be a conduit, and the AI will make the policy decisions.

Russia Is Targeting Germany With Fake Information as Europe Votes

A European Commission spokesperson says Russia is focusing on Germany more than any other EU country—and estimates the Kremlin is spending €1 billion on disinformation campaigns.

The Pirate Party Survived Mutiny and Scandal. Now It’s Trying to Rewrite the Rules of the Web

File-sharing site The Pirate Bay sparked a copyright revolution. Twenty years on, the political movement it inspired is pitching for power in the European elections. If it succeeds, it could reshape the internet.

Staffers Were Told Biden Was Leaving Race in Email Telling Them to Check X

“Team, sharing with you the letter from President Biden that was released just now,” read an email that President Joe Biden’s campaign managers sent.

Joe Biden Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race

President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he would “stand down” from his reelection campaign.

J.D. Vance Left His Venmo Public. Here’s What It Shows

The Republican VP nominee's Venmo network reveals connections ranging from the architects of Project 2025 to enemies of Donald Trump—and the populist's close ties to the very elites he rails against.

A Week of Conspiracies and Calls for War

In the days since the shooting at Trump’s Pennsylvania rally, a slew of conspiracy theories have taken off.

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