Deep Dives
Creators Insight: original analysis on the platforms, players, and economics shaping content work from Nigeria and around the world.
Celebrating Milestones in the Creator Economy
The creator economy is witnessing significant growth, with media companies like 404 Media celebrating milestones and expanding their reach. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to analyze the connections between these stories and understand the implications for the future.
17 Jul 2026
You're Invited: 404 Media's Third Anniversary Live Podcast and Party!
We're celebrating with TWO NIGHTS of good times: A live taping of the podcast, and a party the following night! Paid 404 Media subscribers get free and discounted access. Details below.
17 Jul 2026
Surveillance Technology Raises Concerns About Racial Profiling
Law enforcement agencies are using Flock's FreeForm search feature to track people, not just cars, raising concerns about surveillance and racial profiling. The data reviewed by 404 Media shows that cops have used this feature to look for people with specific tattoos and wearing certain sport shirts, with some searches including the target's race.
16 Jul 2026
Nigeria's ntel Makes Strategic Pivot to Digital Infrastructure
Nigeria's ntel is transitioning from a telecom operator to a digital infrastructure company, focusing on towers, fibre networks, power systems, and real estate. The company's pivot is a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for digital infrastructure in the country and to drive growth and innovation in the Nigerian tech industry.
15 Jul 2026
Podcast: We Are Living in a ‘ChatGPT Flyer Pandemic’
ChatGPT flyers are everywhere; how Waymo drove some kids to the cops; and a $3,000 suit that electrocutes your muscles.
15 Jul 2026
The Rise of AI-Powered Game Cloning
The use of AI-powered game cloning has made it possible for developers to create cheap knockoffs of popular video games in a matter of hours. This has significant implications for the video game industry, and could potentially disrupt the entire market.
14 Jul 2026
Podcast: Liberation, Eroticism, and Sex in Public (with Angela Jones)
This week we’re joined by Dr. Angela Jones, who asks these questions and much more in their new book, Sex in Public.
13 Jul 2026
Apple Takes On OpenAI In Court Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft
Apple is suing OpenAI for allegedly stealing confidential hardware secrets by poaching employees and encouraging them to bring sensitive information with them. The lawsuit claims that OpenAI knowingly and intentionally induced Apple employees to breach their confidentiality agreements and bring trade secrets to their new employer.
10 Jul 2026
AI Fiction Is Easy to Detect Because It's Stupid and Bad, Research Finds
ChatGPT uses too many dream sequences and Gemini won’t stop describing characters.
10 Jul 2026
Charging Ahead: The Rise of Solid-State Battery Startups
Solid-state battery startups are poised to challenge China's dominance in the industry, offering safer and more capable alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries. With significant investments and advancements in technology, these startups are paving the way for a more diverse and competitive battery market.
10 Jul 2026
The End of Free AI Subscriptions: Anthropic's New Pricing Model
Anthropic is introducing usage-based fees for its Claude Fable 5 AI model, marking a significant shift in the AI subscription landscape. The move is likely to impact a wide range of users, from individual creators to large enterprises, and will force companies to rethink their AI budgets and pricing strategies.
9 Jul 2026
Meta's Emotional Intelligence Device Raises Concerns About Data Privacy
Meta has patented an AI-powered wearable device that can track a user's emotions and monitor their medication intake, raising concerns about data privacy and surveillance. The device's success will depend on its ability to address these concerns and provide a safe and secure user experience.
8 Jul 2026
Koko Networks' Collapse: A Cautionary Tale for Clean Cooking Startups
The collapse of Koko Networks, a clean cooking startup that served over one million Kenyan households, has led to the sale of its assets by administrators. The company's demise has sent shockwaves through the African tech ecosystem, with many questioning the sustainability of clean cooking startups.
8 Jul 2026
OpenAI's Chief Futurist Departs Amid AI Safety Concerns
Joshua Achiam, OpenAI's chief futurist, is leaving the company after nearly nine years of researching AI safety. His departure raises important questions about the company's future direction and commitment to AI safety.
7 Jul 2026
Autonomous Vehicles and Public Safety: A Delicate Balance
The use of autonomous vehicles to monitor and report suspicious activity has raised concerns about the potential benefits and drawbacks of this technology. The incident involving Waymo and a group of teenagers has highlighted the need for a nuanced and informed discussion about the potential benefits and drawbacks of relying on autonomous vehicles to monitor and report suspicious activity.
7 Jul 2026
FoodCourt Pauses Operations, Leaving Customers and Restaurants in Limbo
FoodCourt, a prominent food delivery service, has paused its operations, leaving customers and partner restaurants uncertain about the future. The company's decision to halt its services has raised questions about the viability of food delivery businesses in Africa.
6 Jul 2026
Nigerian Edtech Startup Takes Top Prize at UNDP Accelerator
Data Entry Academy, a Nigerian edtech startup, has taken the top prize at the UNDP's pan-African edtech accelerator, outpacing 19 other finalists to claim the coveted award. The competition highlights the growing importance of edtech innovation in Africa, with significant investment and growth expected in the coming years.
3 Jul 2026
Companies Are Throttling Employees’ AI Use Because It’s Too Expensive
Sources and leaks from Amazon, Adobe, Atlassian, Citi, and more show what is really happening with AI right now: companies are trying to rein in AI use as costs spiral out of control.
2 Jul 2026
Reporting AI Incidents Just Got Easier
A new website allows users to report and track instances of AI behaving badly, providing a much-needed outlet for those concerned about the potential risks of artificial intelligence. The platform aims to promote transparency, accountability, and responsibility in the AI community, and to help identify patterns and potential vulnerabilities in AI systems.
1 Jul 2026
African Tech on the Rise
The acquisition of Safaricom by Vodacom signals a new era for African tech, with potential implications for the creator economy and digital media. As the continent's tech industry continues to grow, it is likely to have a significant impact on the global digital landscape.
1 Jul 2026