‘Uncanny Valley’: Iran War in the AI Era, Prediction Market Ethics, and Paramount Beats Netflix

Brian Barrett Zoë Schiffer Leah Feiger Politics Mar 5, 2026 5:17 PM Uncanny Valley : Iran War in the AI Era, Prediction Market Ethics, and Paramount Beats Netflix In this episode, our hosts unpack the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly as the AI industry has been entrenching itself with the Department of Defense. Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Getty Images Save this story Save this story This week, the team dives into why disinformation and the AI industry battles have quickly positioned themselves at the center of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. They also discuss how prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are increasingly facing insider trading accusations and ethical questions. Also, how did Paramount beat Netflix in its bid for Warner Zoë Schiffer, Brian Barrett, and Leah Feiger share their predictions for the future. Articles mentioned in this episode: X Is Drowning in Disinformation Following US and Israeli Attack on Iran How Journalists Are Reporting From Iran With No Internet Anthropic Hits Back After US Military Labels It a ‘Supply Chain Risk’ A Former Top Trump Official Is Going After Prediction Markets Everything Larry and David Ellison Will Control If Paramount Buys Warner Bros. You can follow Brian Barrett on Bluesky at @brbarrett , Zoë Schiffer on Bluesky at @zoeschiffer , and Leah Feiger on Bluesky at @leahfeiger . Write to us at uncannyvalley@wired.com . How to Listen You can always listen to this week's podcast through the audio player on this page, but if you want to subscribe for free to get every episode, here's how: If you're on an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts, or just tap this link . You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts and search for “uncanny valley.” We’re on Spotify too. Transcript Note: This is an automated transcript, which may contain errors. Brian Barrett: Hey, it's Brian. Zoë, Leah, and I have really enjoyed being your new hosts these past few weeks, and we want ...