Internet finds laughably simple way to undo Epstein file redactions
Plus: The Dubai chocolate matcha is coming to Starbucks.
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Here are the latest trending internet culture stories today:
An incredibly basic method has been revealed that can reveal the redacted content in the Epstein files.
Internet users were surprised to discover that a popular retirement home account was entirely AI-generated.
Starbucks baristas are warning about the demand for the company’s upcoming Dubai chocolate matcha drink.
See you tomorrow!
— W.J.
⚡️ Today in Internet Culture
“So freaking incapable”: People are un-redacting the Epstein files with a laughably simple trick
The Justice Department’s attempt to redact sensitive information from the Epstein files has quickly unraveled after people online discovered an easy way to read what’s behind many of those black boxes. Some lawmakers criticized the DOJ for “covering up things” on behalf of President Donald Trump, while others suggested the move might not hold up in court.
But some of the redactions have been uncovered in the most basic of ways—copying and pasting the text into a Word document.
“It should be mandatory to put an AI label”: Viewers crushed to learn popular retirement home account with millions of views is entirely fake
As AI gets increasingly advanced, it’s becoming difficult to tell what’s real and what’s not. Case in point: Basin Creek Retirement Village, a TikTok account with 63,700 followers.
At first appearance, the videos on the account seem to show the fun, enthusiastic, and adorable residents of a thriving retirement village living their best life. However, the truth is a little sadder.
“Are we serious”: Baristas say demand for Starbucks’ Dubai chocolate matcha drink will overwhelm stores
Starbucks’ winter menu is on the way, and baristas are already panicking—mostly because one item in particular is poised to overwhelm them: the Dubai chocolate matcha. According to a press release from Starbucks, the coffee chain will offer several new drinks and winter reruns starting Jan. 6.
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🔥 Hot on the Dot
This was the most-read story on the Daily Dot yesterday:
Wow, didn't even think about it like this before! The Epstein file thing is absolutly bonkers, like, did they even try? The AI retirement home account is such a brilliant catch, really building on your earlier piece about content authenticity. Such a sharp read today, W.J.!