Tech Takedown - The Algorithm's Edge

The Lie Detector Lie: How One Man Beat the Polygraph 🧠 Tech Takedown


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The machine doesn't detect lies; it detects fear. 📉🤥 We investigate the story of Doug Williams, the former police polygraphist who became the "Polygraph Whisperer." We break down how he exposed the flaw in the "Control Question" test and taught thousands of people to beat the box using simple physical countermeasures.

1. The "Pucker" Technique: We analyze the cheat. The polygraph relies on a baseline of "normal" physiology compared to "stress." We explain how Williams taught users to spike their blood pressure during control questions (like "Have you ever lied?") by biting their tongue or tightening their anal sphincter, confusing the machine into thinking the lie is the truth .

2. The Control Question Flaw: Why does it work? We expose the science. The polygraph assumes that an innocent person will be more afraid of the relevant question (e.g., "Did you steal the money?") than the control question. We discuss how the test is actually a measure of "Reactivity," not deception, meaning anxious people fail while sociopaths pass .

3. The Federal Sting: It wasn't illegal to lie; it was illegal to teach. We explore Operation Lie Busters, the undercover sting where federal agents posed as drug dealers and spies to entrap Williams. We discuss the irony of the government using deception to catch a man for teaching deception, and the chilling effect on free speech .

The full list of sources used to create this episode can be found on our Patreon under https://www.patreon.com/c/Morgrain

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Tech Takedown - The Algorithm's EdgeBy Morgrain