Politics
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.
New Start (ups)
How Keir Starmer Can Fix the UK’s Tech Industry
The new Labour government could bring about a renaissance in UK tech and bolster the country’s precarious post-Brexit startup pipeline. That’s if politics don’t get in the way.
Natasha Bernal and Isabel Fraser
WIRED Politics Lab
How Influencers and Algorithms Are Creating Bespoke Realities for Everyone
David Gilbert
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.
Dell Cameron
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.
Dell Cameron
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.
Makena Kelly
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.
Makena Kelly
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.
David Gilbert
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.
David Gilbert
Neo-Nazis Are All-In on AI
Extremists are developing their own hateful AIs to supercharge radicalization and fundraising—and are now using the tech to make weapon blueprints and bombs. And it’s going to get worse.
David Gilbert
ISIS Created Fake CNN and Al Jazeera Broadcasts
One video focused on giving ISIS credit for a terror attack that Russian disinformation blamed on Ukraine. “It was essentially fake news to debunk fake news,” says an expert.
David Gilbert
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.
Vittoria Elliott
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.
Morgan Meaker
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.
Morgan Meaker
How Donald Trump Could Weaponize US Surveillance in a Second Term
Donald Trump has vowed to go after political enemies, undocumented immigrants, and others if he wins. Experts warn he could easily turn the surveillance state against his targets.
Thor Benson
How the Biden Administration Is (Not Really) Handling Disinformation
The hosts of Pod Save America join WIRED to talk about disinfo, social media, and the new era of digital campaigning.
Leah Feiger
Trump–Biden Debate Conspiracies Have Already Flooded the Internet
Republican lawmakers, right-wing media outlets and influencers, and Trump himself are pushing conspiracies about Biden’s health and the debate in general.
David Gilbert
Supreme Court Rules That US Government Can Continue Talking to Social Media Companies
The SCOTUS ruling overturns an earlier injunction that prevented platforms from communicating with the government for more than a year.
Vittoria Elliott
Unwelcome at the Debate, RFK Jr.’s Star Shines on TikTok Live
TikTok creators are hosting their own town halls with third-party candidates, bypassing mainstream media and platforming conspiracies.
Makena Kelly
Latest
WIRED Health
The UK’s NHS Going Digital Would Be Equivalent to Hiring Thousands of New Doctors
João Medeiros
WIRED Politics Lab
Big Tech Is Giving Campaigns Both the Venom and the Antidote for GenAI
Makena Kelly
RED PILL BLUE BILL
Alex Jones Is Now Trying to Divert Money to His Father’s Supplements Business
Anna Merlan
FDA’S BIG DAY
Supreme Court Upholds Access to Abortion Pill in Unanimous Vote
Kate Knibbs and Emily Mullin
WIRED Politics Lab
A Billionaire Has a Plan to Save the Internet—Buying TikTok Is the Next Step
Makena Kelly
WINNER WINNER
Google’s and Microsoft’s AI Chatbots Refuse to Say Who Won the 2020 US Election
David Gilbert
Superspreader
A Former President’s Daughter Used X to Bombard South Africa With Conspiracy Theories
Vittoria Elliott