Topic: Verified

The Secure the Border Act (HR 2) contains provisions for massive technological upgrades, including VADER radar, seismic acoustic detection, and expanded drone use. The bill also seeks to legalize biometric data collection for all domestic air travelers and mandates the use of the E-Verify system for all US employers.

Senator Chuck Schumer is reportedly working on legislation that includes increased border technology and fencing, but also a mandatory employment verification system. Critics argue this is a move toward a universal ID. The discussion links these policies to a 2000 United Nations document regarding "Replacement Migration" in Western countries.

The BBC has launched "BBC Verify," a new department led by Mariana Spring dedicated to fact-checking and countering disinformation. The hosts mock the initiative, particularly Spring's use of "undercover" social media accounts and her upcoming podcast series, "Mariana in Conspiracyland," which investigates the UK's alternative media movement.

The hosts theorize that Democrats may be cooling on open border policies because many current migrants are from Venezuela and are likely to vote Republican due to their opposition to communism. They discuss the potential federalization of E-Verify in a new immigration bill and the growing tension in New York City as Mayor Eric Adams considers using public streets to house migrants.

Mark Zuckerberg announces "Meta Verified," a subscription service for Instagram and Facebook costing $11.99 a month. The move follows Twitter's lead in charging for verification badges and direct customer support.

Canadian health data indicates that out of 11,000 total COVID-19 deaths, approximately 10,500 occurred among seniors and staff in long-term care facilities, primarily in Quebec and Ontario. A promotional video for the "Shared Verified" campaign is reviewed, which emphasizes global collaboration and the containment of "infodemics" through trusted information.

Dame Kitt of Tehachapi was elevated to the rank of Baroness following her continued support of the program. The hosts also discussed the "Verified Victim" website, which points to the show's media player, as a satirical response to the process of social media verification. Adam Curry reiterated his stance against being verified on Twitter.

The Associated Press is launching a tool to curate social media content, but will only pull from "verified users," effectively excluding independent voices. In entertainment news, Tim Allen's "Last Man Standing" was canceled despite high ratings, which is attributed to his political leanings. Additionally, a viral video from UT Austin shows a student having a public breakdown over a Trump sign, which is characterized as a "pod person" event.

Facebook has begun implementing a "verified" status for users, a move the hosts warn could be used to create government-accessible lists of influential citizens. The episode concludes with a reminder of the show's value-for-value model and a sign-off from Adam Curry in Austin and John C. Dvorak in Silicon Valley.

President Obama's speech in Las Vegas regarding immigration reform is analyzed, specifically his call for a national system to verify employment status. The hosts express concern that such a database would be prone to errors and could be used for broader government surveillance. The discussion links this to ongoing frustrations with the healthcare system and the limitations of insurance networks.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez using Twitter to govern while receiving cancer treatment in Cuba. They marvel at his verified status and large follower count. The hosts joke about the possibility of the accounts being run by the U.S. State Department.

A critique of Twitter as a platform for state-sponsored disinformation highlights the difficulty of verifying anonymous sources during international conflicts. The hosts argue that NPR and other outlets are failing to provide proper context by treating retweets as definitive news. They express skepticism regarding the identity and location of individuals posting updates from conflict zones like Libya.

Stephen Brill, the founder of Brill's Content, is identified as the creator of Verified Identity Pass, the company behind the Clear airport security program. The system utilizes retinal scans and fingerprints to allow travelers access to a dedicated security line, though standard TSA liquid and shoe restrictions still apply. Concerns are raised regarding the efficiency of US border systems and the frequent secondary screenings experienced by travelers.