Facebook Algorithm Let Ads Reach Anti-Semites

By Julia Angwin, Madeleine Varner and Ariana Tobin / ProPublica Sep 14, 2017 The now-removed platform enabled advertisers to direct pitches to the news feeds of almost 2,300 people who expressed interest in hatred of Jews. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Is the GMO Scare a Marketing Scam? (Audio and Transcript)

Robert Scheer / Truthdig Sep 8, 2017 In this episode of “Scheer Intelligence,” Robert Scheer interviews "Food Evolution" filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy. [Transcript added] Dig deeper ( 22 Min. Read )

Fake Ads in the Time of Trump

By Barbara Koeppel May 24, 2017 The recent focus on the viability of news stories has overshadowed another method of spreading false political information. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Internet Privacy

Nick Anderson / Truthdig Apr 3, 2017 Dig deeper

Google Has Quietly Dropped Ban on Personally Identifiable Web-Tracking

By Julia Angwin / ProPublica Oct 25, 2016 Over the summer, the tech giant substituted new language in its privacy policy that says browsing habits “may be” combined with what the company learns from a user's use of gmail and other tools. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

‘Black Ops Advertising’ Dissects the Rise of Media Manipulation for Corporate Profit

By Mara Einstein Oct 4, 2016 The currency of maximum importance in our digital world is personal data, personal relationships and our very identities. The currency of maximum importance in our digital world is personal data, personal relationships and our very identities. Dig deeper ( 8 Min. Read )

America the Illiterate

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Sep 1, 2016 The change from a print-based to an image-based society has transformed our nation. All the traditional tools of democracies—including dispassionate scientific and historical truth, facts, news and rational debate—are useless instruments in a world that lacks the capacity to use them. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

John Oliver Warns That Problems Plaguing Journalism Will Lead to Widespread Corruption (Video)

Staff / Truthdig Aug 8, 2016 The "Last Week Tonight" host talks about how political corruption thrives in an environment in which journalists are being fired or forced to focus on social media and click-bait rather than on reporting. He also admits that shows like his wouldn't exist without newspapers. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Convenience of Customized Advertising May Come at a High Price

Thor Benson / Truthdig Jul 7, 2016 Further erosions of privacy are likely as companies develop more and better methods for gathering information on internet users. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

BuzzFeed Dumps Ad Deal With Republican National Committee Over Donald Trump

Staff / Truthdig Jun 9, 2016 Jonah Peretti, the media company’s CEO, said Trump’s presidential campaign is akin to cigarette ads—“hazardous to our health.” Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

VIDEO: What Happens When You Ask People in the Regular Economy to Work for Free?

Staff / Truthdig Nov 7, 2015 Toronto ad agency Zulu Alpha Kilo asked restaurateurs, personal trainers and architects to provide some of their product or service for free so shoppers could decide whether to buy it. “Get out of here” was one cook's response. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

VIDEO: Bernie Sanders Debuts First Campaign Ad

Staff / Truthdig Nov 2, 2015 Called "Real Change," the ad casts Sanders as a principled and down-to-earth populist leader with the backing of millions of individual donors and a determination to take on Wall Street. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )