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404 Media

An independent American digital media company focused on investigative reporting about technology, the internet, and online culture.

Last updated August 26, 2026

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Overview

404 Media is an independent American digital media company covering technology, the internet, cybersecurity, platform governance, privacy, and online culture. It was founded in 2023 by former Vice News technology and investigative journalists Joseph Cox, Jason Koebler, Emanuel Maiberg, and Samantha Cole. The company uses a subscription-led model and presents itself as a newsroom operated independently of a large media conglomerate. Its reporting commonly examines social platforms, artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, data privacy, cybercrime, and internet subcultures. Because the company is relatively young, public information about its revenue, staff size, and long-term business structure remains limited. It is best characterized as an independent media brand centered on investigative technology journalism.

History

404 Media was founded in 2023 by former Vice News journalists Joseph Cox, Jason Koebler, Emanuel Maiberg, and Samantha Cole. The founders sought to create an independent, journalist-led newsroom capable of sustaining in-depth reporting on technology and the internet. Unlike digital news operations that rely primarily on advertising or a large media group, 404 Media places significant emphasis on subscriptions as a way to support editorial and investigative work. Its coverage includes artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, surveillance, social platforms, data brokers, and online culture. The newsroom examines not only technology products but also their effects on individuals, society, and public policy. Public information about its financing, staff size, revenue, and ownership structure remains limited.

  • 2023

    404 Media Founded

    [1]

    Four former Vice News journalists co-founded 404 Media, establishing an independent digital media brand focused on investigative reporting on technology and the internet.

Products and positioning

Independent, subscription-driven investigative news media covering technology and the internet.

  • Digital media and news subscription · 2023

    404 Media website

    The 404 Media website is the brand’s core product. It publishes news and investigative reporting about technology, the internet, cybersecurity, privacy, platform governance, and online culture. Subscription support is used for part of its content and operations, while the site serves as the main channel for publishing and reader engagement.

Recent events

  • 2023

    Former Vice News reporters launch 404 Media[1]

    Other · Product launch

    Joseph Cox、Jason Koebler、Emanuel Maiberg 和 Samantha Cole 创办 404 Media,聚焦科技与互联网调查报道,并采用订阅模式。

Sources1 sources

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