The A.I. App for Rich People to Fight Journalists Who Embarrass Them episode artwork

EPISODE · May 4, 2026 · 41 MIN

The A.I. App for Rich People to Fight Journalists Who Embarrass Them

from CANADALAND

Objection.ai is the new AI-powered tool from Aron D’Souza and Peter Thiel. The duo who helped bankrupt Gawker ten years ago. They're also teaming up to bring the world the steroid-embracing Enhanced Games later this month. D’Souza says Objection.ai is about restoring public trust in journalism and making it more transparent. Critics worry about its ideological bent and what it means to subject journalists, and their sources, to an AI "judge".Aron D’Souza joins Jesse to talk about the tech, what it means to "object" to a reporter’s work, and if there’s any reason to believe Objection.ai could work at all.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Additional music by Audio NetworkFact checking by Julian AbrahamPhoto: Objection.ai website (NOTE: This artwork for this episode was likely generated by A.I., by the website’s designers.)More information:Can AI judge journalism? A Thiel-backed startup says yes, even if it risks chilling whistleblowers — TechCrunchFull transcript: Conversation with Aron D’Souza on Objection and AI in journalism — TechCrunchHulk Hogan v. Gawker: Invasion of Privacy & Free Speech in a Digital World — First Amendment Watch NYUTrust in Media: How Canadians feel about news outlets — Pollara Strategic InsightsTrust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S. — GallupA Reporter Explains His Approach to Writing News and Features — New York TimesObjectionSponsors: Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caArticle: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Objection.ai is the new AI-powered tool from Aron D’Souza and Peter Thiel. The duo who helped bankrupt Gawker ten years ago. They're also teaming up to bring the world the steroid-embracing Enhanced Games later this month. D’Souza says Objection.ai is about restoring public trust in journalism and making it more transparent. Critics worry about its ideological bent and what it means to subject journalists, and their sources, to an AI "judge".Aron D’Souza joins Jesse to talk about the tech, what it means to "object" to a reporter’s work, and if there’s any reason to believe Objection.ai could work at all.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Additional music by Audio NetworkFact checking by Julian AbrahamPhoto: Objection.ai website (NOTE: This artwork for this episode was likely generated by A.I., by the website’s designers.)More information:Can AI judge journalism? A Thiel-backed startup says yes, even if it risks chilling whistleblowers — TechCrunchFull transcript: Conversation with Aron D’Souza on Objection and AI in journalism — TechCrunchHulk Hogan v. Gawker: Invasion of Privacy & Free Speech in a Digital World — First Amendment Watch NYUTrust in Media: How Canadians feel about news outlets — Pollara Strategic InsightsTrust in Media at New Low of 28% in U.S. — GallupA Reporter Explains His Approach to Writing News and Features — New York TimesObjectionSponsors: Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caArticle: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The A.I. App for Rich People to Fight Journalists Who Embarrass Them

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The Backbench CANADALAND When the group chat’s spiraling and your For You Page is a trainwreck, it’s hard to know what’s real — or what matters. Canadaland Politics (formerly The Backbench) cuts through the noise with bold questions, sharp analysis, and the political news you actually need.Each Tuesday, we’ll ask bold questions and offer sharp analysis, giving you the tools to challenge any perspective — maybe even your own. Canadaland Politics is made by Noor Azrieh, Aviva Lessard and Sam Konnert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. What Is Happening Here | Canadaland Investigates Canadaland Statistically, a Jew in Canada is now 9 times more likely to be a victim of a hate crime than a Jew in the United States. How did this happen in a country known for politeness, diversity, and social democracy? Is this even a real phenomenon, or is anti-zionism being misclassified as antisemitism?Journalist and Publisher Jesse Brown is diving deep into the subject, travelling across Canada and speaking with Jews, anti-zionist activists, and high-profile public figures, all of whom have seen their lives change since October 7th, 2023.What Is Happening Here is available now — right here on Canadaland Investigates. Our critically-acclaimed and award-winning limited series, all in one place.canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.co Wag The Doug CANADALAND A monthly podcast grappling with the reality of four more infuriating years with the Fords and what that means for Ontario. Hosted by Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. The Imposter CANADALAND Weird art from Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This episode was published on May 4, 2026.

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Objection.ai is the new AI-powered tool from Aron D’Souza and Peter Thiel. The duo who helped bankrupt Gawker ten years ago. They're also teaming up to bring the world the steroid-embracing Enhanced Games later this month. D’Souza says Objection.ai...

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