Byte of Truth

Sébastien Deschamps•linktr.ee

Byte of Truth is your weekly download of what’s really going on at the intersection of technology, society, and software. Hosted by Sébastien Deschamps, this podcast unpacks how algorithms, platforms, and emerging tech shape the way we think, connect, and live — whether we realize it or not. Expect sharp insights, curious questions, and just the right amount of dry humor. From social networks that aren’t so social to AI that's a little too human, each episode breaks down big ideas one byte at a time. New episodes every week. Tech talk, without the jargon fatigue.

Last refreshed: May 30th, 2026 at 11:34 AM

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Training the Eye: Outsmarting Deepfakes with Digital Literacy

Can you spot a deepfake? No, really—can you? In this episode of Byte of Truth , host Sébastien Deschamps breaks down a fascinating new study that shows how simple digital literacy tools—like tips, visuals, and even games—can significantly boost our ability to detect AI-generated fakes. From Balenciaga Popes to phantom fingers, we explore the strange world of synthetic media and how to stay one step ahead of the algorithm. You’ll learn: Why deepfakes are more dangerous (and accessible) than ever ...

Aug 03, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Dirty Data, Clean Truth: Journalism’s Hidden Struggle

Behind every gripping data-driven headline is a journalist elbow-deep in messy, inconsistent, sometimes maddening data. In this episode, we explore the unsung labor of data preparation in journalism — and how it compares to the workflows of data scientists. Based on a recent study, we uncover how journalists tackle dirty data from fragmented sources, PDFs from FOIA requests, and tables that change over time like shapeshifting monsters. From regionally inconsistent COVID stats to detective-level ...

Jul 27, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Conspiracy, Clicks, and Crimes: Can AI Predict Hate?

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), conspiracy theories, and hate crimes. Researchers have found that AI algorithms can predict hate crimes based on online search trends for conspiracy theories. This episode of Byte Of Truth explores this complex issue in-depth, examining the ways in which AI-driven misinformation is spreading across social media platforms and influencing real-world violence. Key Points: AI algorithms can pred...

Jul 20, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Your Token Becomes Worthless: Unveiling Rug Pull Schemes in Crypto Token via Code-and-Transaction Fusion Analysis

In this episode of Byte of Truth , host Sébastien Deschamps uncovers the dark art of the rug pull — the scam where your hot new token suddenly becomes worthless. But this isn't just another crypto horror story. We explore RPHunter , a cutting-edge tool that fuses smart contract code analysis with blockchain transaction behavior to detect scams before they drain your wallet. Learn how scammers engineer trust, manipulate liquidity, and vanish with millions — and how AI-powered graph networks are l...

Jun 30, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Anonymity, Amplified: Should Influence Come with ID?

Deepfakes. AI-generated propaganda. Anonymous accounts reaching millions in minutes. In this episode of Byte of Truth , host Sébastien Deschamps explores a bold new idea from Cambridge researchers: tiered anonymity for social media. Think of it as a traffic-light system for online identity — pseudonyms for everyday users, ID checks for influencers, and full-blown fact-checking for viral accounts. We dive into why this might be the most balanced response yet to the chaos of misinformation — one t...

Jun 22, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 1

← Prev

Hosted on Spotify for Creators (Anchor)

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android