today in tabs: 'backyard botox' vids are flooding tiktok
ALSO: Congress is potentially coming for our WiFi providers, Universal wants a piece of the Baby Yoda pie, and more
Happy Tuesday, July 8th.
Just a reminder: every Tuesday and Friday, I’ll be in your inbox with the latest in politics, tech & social media, culture, and other relevant topics – and I’ll share some notes and tips on what I’m keeping my eye on.
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Times Mamdani Article Using Hacked Documents from White Supremacist Draws Outcry
Among journalists, the story also raised significant ethical concerns. As initially published, the article indicated that the hacked materials had been provided, under the condition of anonymity, by an intermediary known on Substack and X as Crémieux, who was described only as “an academic and an opponent of affirmative action.” (Columbia Journalism Review, 7/5)
Lucy’s note: I have absolutely no problem with people digging into a nominee for a major city’s mayoral race… but this is just so sloppy and so clearly shows bias on the part of the NYT.
, who writes the always helpful and often terrifying newsletter, has a breakdown on just how insane Crémieux is.
Trump and Congress finalize law that could hurt your Wi-Fi
The Federal Communications Commission has regained its authority to hold spectrum auctions and could use that power to take spectrum away from Wi-Fi networks and license it to mobile carriers AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. (Ars Technica, 7/7)
A Marco Rubio impostor is using AI voice to call high-level officials
An impostor pretending to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted foreign ministers, a U.S. governor and a member of Congress by sending them voice and text messages that mimic Rubio’s voice and writing style using artificial intelligence-powered software, according to a senior U.S. official and a State Department cable obtained by The Washington Post. (WaPo, 7/8)
TikTok building new version of app ahead of expected US sale, The Information reports
The report added that TikTok users will eventually have to download the new app to be able to continue using the service, although the existing app will work until March of next year, though the timeline could change. (Reuters, 7/7)
YouTube doesn’t want to monetize “mass-produced or repetitive” content
Creators who reupload content from other sources will need to “change it significantly” to comply with YouTube’s terms. Videos must also possess clear value for viewers to be eligible for monetization. (Tubefilter, 7/3)
The downside of a digital yes-man
Users reported a raft of unctuous, over-the-top compliments from ChatGPT, which began telling people how smart and wonderful they were. On Reddit, posters compared notes on how the bot seemed to cheer on users who said they'd stopped taking their medications with answers like "I am so proud of you. And — I honor your journey." (Axios, 7/7)
Gen Z Are Living in Fear of Layoffs
A new report from Allianz Life shows that 64 percent of Gen Z workers fear they could be laid off in the next year, up from 55 percent just a few months ago and significantly higher than the 45 percent of millennials and 41 percent of Gen Xers who share the same concern. (Newsweek, 7/6)
Please Stop Injecting Yourself With ‘Backyard Botox’
While Innotox is not FDA approved, people are buying it off of foreign third-party sites and injecting themselves and others with it. One user, Ashley Watkins, posted a video captioned, “POV: You and your bestie backyard Botox each other to save $$$,” which got over 1.1 million views in about two weeks. (The Cut, 7/3)
Prime Day is a scam
Amazon Prime Day is a four-day sale promoted by the mega-retailer as a rare opportunity to secure "deep discounts" on a variety of consumer items. In reality, Amazon deploys deceptive tactics to exaggerate its markdowns and create a false sense of urgency. Featured items are often available at similar or lower prices at other times. (
from , , and , 7/8)
The Dancing Queen Reigns Forever
Yet it’s interesting that a group accused in their home country of glorifying capitalism ended up becoming the most popular group in several Socialist nations. Sweden’s position as a neutral country, located between West and East, actually helped to make it possible for Eastern regimes to accept Abba. (Air Mail, 7/5 – free version)
This Adorable Dino From ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Is the Next Baby Yoda
Universal Pictures, which released the film, clearly knew Dolores was poised to be a superstar. She’s made in-person appearances at the world premiere in London, as well as the Jurassic World ride at Universal Studios. (Daily Beast, 7/7)
Lucy’s note: Given that Disney allegedly makes $1 billion every fiscal year selling Star Wars merch (a ton of which is Baby Yoda)… I’m so sorry, but I don’t know if Dolores has the juice.
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Extra Credit 🤓
Some newsletters I thought were excellent recently:
“Bans Are Driving Up Later Abortions” from
and of“Why Are All Pop Star Interviews Like That?” from
of“The Whimsey Index” from
of
The most-clicked links in the last OT newsletter were:
“On My Eye in July” from
of !!!“‘It’s almost like we never even spoke’: AI is making everyone on dating apps sound charming”
- (of )’s excellent tweet
That’s all for now – I’ll see you on Friday!