mikael-thalen

Mikael Thalen


Mikael Thalen is a tech and security reporter covering social media, data breaches, hackers, and more.

Hand holding phone with Rumble app(l), Jan 6 2021: Riots in DC(r)

Rumble thinks it was knocked offline by targeted cyberattack for hosting Jan. 6 Capitol riot videos

Everyone from Joe Biden to China and the FBI are also being blamed for the site's outages.

On Dec 12, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

A hacktivist answers common security questions

Y0ur P@ssw0rd S*cks: A hacktivist answers common security questions

We asked a hacktivist questions that are commonly asked.

On Dec 12, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Expert warns section of House Intel Committee bill would grant feds scary new surveillance powers

‘Biggest expansion since the Patriot Act’: Why a small provision in a new surveillance reform bill is raising serious concerns

'The NSA could go to McDonald’s and obtain wifi data—without a warrant.'

On Dec 11, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Elon Musk's Grok AI accused of ripping off ChatGPT

Elon Musk’s new AI Grok accused of stealing answers from ChatGPT

Grok's answers told people to email ChatGPT.

On Dec 11, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

unlv shooter

UNLV shooter personal website shows embrace of numerous conspiracy theories

Links to the Wikipedia pages for the Illuminati, Freemasonry, and David Icke were present.

On Dec 7, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Taylor Swift Person of the year

‘What’s happening is not organic’: Why the right thinks Taylor Swift is a government PsyOp designed to swing the 2024 election

'The Taylor Swift girlboss psyop has been fully activated.'

On Dec 7, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Eric Trump making quotation mark fingers

‘So obvious’: After Trump’s authoritarian statements, Eric Trump claims media is coordinating to paint him as a dictator

'It is all coordinated…'

On Dec 6, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Elon Musk(l), Ian Miles Cheong(r)

Ian Miles Cheong Community Noted to death for trying to suck up to Musk by claiming he hates ‘Grand Theft Auto’ too

'One of the most pathetic and funniest reply chains I’ve ever seen.'

On Dec 6, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Female protagonist in Grand Theft Auto 6(two split)

Has ‘Grand Theft Auto’ gone ‘woke?’ Notorious YouTuber pushes unfounded claims about game’s new female protagonist

Keemstar's channel cited a year-old Reddit post with 0 upvotes as proof.

On Dec 5, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Home exploding(three split)

‘Screams MKUltra’: Paranoid LinkedIn posts of suspect in massive Arlington home explosion sparks government conspiracies

The man believed that his neighbors were plotting to kill him.

On Dec 5, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Elon Musk(l), Grand Theft Auto 6 poster(r)

‘I would expect this from Drake’: Even nerds are dunking on Elon Musk over ‘cornball’ reason for not playing Grand Theft Auto

Musk's biggest fans are laughing at him.

On Dec 5, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Stephen Colbert medical emergency conspiracy

Stephen Colbert’s medical emergency becomes conspiracy fodder

The conspiracies ranged from being harmed by the COVID vaccine to being put in front of a military tribunal.

On Dec 5, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Parents of 9-year-old Chiefs fan threaten to sue Deadspin over ‘blackface’ claim

Parents of young Chiefs fan accused of ‘blackface’ demand retraction, threaten defamation lawsuit against Deadspin

'It is not enough to quietly remove a tweet from X or disable the article from Deadspin’s website.'

On Dec 4, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Liberals are mad that Snopes debunked them on Trump

Why liberals are suddenly upset at Snopes for fact-checking a Trump quote

'This is very embarrassing for Snopes — and they should delete it.'

On Dec 4, 2023 by Mikael Thalen

Trump rants over week old De Niro comments

‘He has become unwatchable’: Trump freaks out over Robert De Niro’s award speech

'He has become a total loser, as the World watches, waits and laughs!'

On Dec 4, 2023 by Mikael Thalen