The year is 1934, and the setting is Scotland. Startling photos have emerged, appearing to capture the Loch Ness monster.

Fast-forward 90 years to 2024, to an election campaign in Australia, and a video is released of a prime minister promising to ban gambling ads.

Both are fake – designed specifically to deceive. And while humans have always had a tendency to mislead each other, what’s new is the technology.

It’s now easier than ever to create highly realistic fake content. And we’re only just starting to see how wide-ranging and insidious the impact will be.

Today, independent senator David Pocock – on his new bill to crack down on deepfakes – and why he thinks the government has dropped the ball on regulating AI.

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Guest: Independent senator David Pocock

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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Negotiators at this year’s global climate summit in Brazil almost didn’t reach a deal – but when they did, the watered down pledge left many countries reeling.

While the agreement boosts finance for poorer nations experiencing the worst of global warming – it fails to even mention the fossil fuels driving it.

Outside the official COP process, dozens of countries signed a pledge to phase out fossil fuels. But while Australia signed - Anthony Albanese says his government will keep approving new coal and gas projects.

Today, Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter, on what really happened in Brazil – and whether COP is now just a cop out.

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Guest: Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter

Photo: AP Photo/Andre Penner

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In Russia, the rules of power are being rewritten.

For decades, Vladimir Putin governed through a network of loyal elites — oligarchs, bureaucrats, security chiefs — each rewarded for their obedience and connections.

But since the invasion of Ukraine, that system has begun to fracture. The old elite are being sidelined, and a new cast is emerging: relatives, ideologues, and battlefield loyalists who tie their futures to the war.

Moscow-based journalist Kate de Pury has covered Putin’s Russia for Reuters – and more recently as the bureau chief for Associated Press.

Today, she tells us how the war is reshaping the Russian ruling class, and what it reveals about where Putin’s Russia is headed.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Moscow-based journalist Kate de Pury

Photo: Russian Presidential Press Service via AP

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