"The Data Diva" Talks Privacy Podcast

• The Data Diva E227 - Alvaro De Nicholas and Debbie Reynolds

  Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks with Alvaro De Nicholas, CEO of DNA Ventures, about his career in technology and his views on the growing divide in data privacy.Alvaro shares his journey from telecommunications engineering to leading digital transformation projects at major companies like Accenture, British Telecom, and Lloyds Bank and his connections with NASA. Reflecting on his experiences, he highlights how technology has advanced rapidly while privacy protections have lagged.A key theme of the discussion revolves around data privacy implications and the increasing divide between those who can afford to protect their privacy and those who cannot. Alvaro raises the thought-provoking question: “Is privacy the privilege of those who can afford it?” He explains how wealthier individuals often have the means to limit their digital footprint while the broader population is subjected to extensive data collection, fueling concerns about fairness, bias, and transparency.Debbie and Alvaro explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence and how it amplifies privacy risks and potentially entrenches societal inequalities. They discuss the potential dangers of AI models that rely on incomplete or biased data, which could lead to life-altering decisions without individuals’ knowledge or consent.The conversation also touches on the proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices and the invisible ways they gather data. Alvaro highlights how even everyday items, such as smartwatches and pet trackers, contribute to a vast network of personal data collection. Together, they reflect on the lack of regulation in this space and the urgent need for greater transparency and consumer awareness.Biometrics emerges as another focal point of the episode. While Alvaro acknowledges the security benefits of biometrics, he expresses deep concern about the irreversible nature of biometric breaches. Debbie echoes these concerns, citing examples where biometric data is being collected for seemingly trivial purposes, such as purchasing beverages at sports stadiums. This raises questions about the balance between convenience and risk.Alvaro also considers the impact of regulations like GDPR and notes their influence outside Europe. He envisions a future where individuals have greater control over their data, managing it as a personal asset, and hopes for privacy in the future.Many thanks to the Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast Privacy Visionary, Smartbox AI, for sponsoring this episode and supporting our podcast. Smartbox.ai, named British AI Company of the Year, provides cutting-edge AI. For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the showSupport the show

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• The Data Diva E226 - Lisa LeVasseur and Debbie Reynolds

  Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Lisa LeVasseur, the founder of Internet Safety Labs, for a compelling discussion about the critical intersection of technology, privacy, and safety. Lisa shares her journey from software development and engineering to founding an organization that pioneers safety standards and independent testing for digital technology. She highlights the shift in focus from privacy to safety, explaining how "safety" encompasses broader harms beyond data privacy, covering issues like deceptive patterns and commercial surveillance.Lisa delves into the unseen risks associated with apps and websites, describing how user data often flows to numerous third parties without the user's knowledge or consent. She introduces the concept of safety labels developed by Internet Safety Labs, which categorize and score apps based on the level of risk posed by their data-sharing practices. This innovative approach aims to provide greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry.The conversation explores regulation limitations, with Lisa expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of current data broker laws and the enforcement of privacy regulations. She discusses the hidden ecosystem of identity resolution and customer data platforms, underscoring their role in tracking and correlating personal information across platforms and devices.Debbie and Lisa also discuss the larger implications of data monetization, advocating for disallowing the personal information market as a radical step toward enhancing consumer safety. They also discuss the need for stronger accountability measures and the importance of raising awareness about the data economy’s impact on individuals.Lisa concludes by inviting listeners to engage with Internet Safety Labs’ initiatives, including participating in developing safety standards and joining a pilot program for certifying privacy auditors. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of data privacy, consumer protection, the push for safer technology, and hope for future privacy.https://internetsafetylabs.org/Support the show

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• The Data Diva E225 - Elizabeth Aguado and Debbie Reynolds

  Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” talks to Elizabeth Aguado, Emerging Technologies, Responsible AI Expert (South America). We discuss the impact of regulations and frameworks in South America and Latin America and the relevance of discussing underprivileged communities. Aguado raises important concerns about privacy and data protection in the global South, emphasizing the slow progress of authorities in implementing regulations and the high cost of privacy.Additionally, she addressed the lack of attention on ethical questions related to emerging technologies and the general lack of concern about privacy among people in the global South, emphasizing the importance of igniting conversations and building awareness. We also discussed our joint effort on the Tech Ethics and Public Policy course at Stanford, where my presentation on biometrics was well-received.We also discussed Chile's pioneering move to incorporate neural rights into its constitution, lauding its proactive efforts in regulating emerging technologies and promoting collaboration between public and private entities. We stress the importance of safeguarding individuals' rights over their data and information in the context of advancing neural technology, drawing comparisons between Chile's approach and that of other countries. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of emerging technologies on addressing global challenges such as poverty and healthcare, focusing on prioritizing human well-being over economic growth and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

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• The Data Diva E224 - Mike Swift and Debbie Reynolds

  Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" talks to Mike Swift, the Chief Global Digital Risk Correspondent at MLex. Mike's extensive background in journalism and his focus on the intersection of technology and the law gives him a compelling perspective on the conversation.Mike discusses his career journey, from reporting on major tech companies like Google and Facebook at The San Jose Mercury News to covering digital risk, privacy, and antitrust issues at MLex. The conversation highlights the increasing overlap between privacy and antitrust. Mike offers insights into significant cases involving Google's ad tech practices and the ongoing debate between Apple and Google over app store control.The episode's central theme is the evolving view of personal data as a consumer protection issue and a national security concern. Mike reflects on recent legislative efforts to restrict the flow of Americans' data to foreign adversaries, marking a notable shift in privacy discourse at the federal level.Debbie and Mike explore the growing influence of data brokers, who often operate without direct relationships with consumers while amassing and selling vast amounts of personal data. They discuss the 23andMe breach and raise questions about the adequacy of credit monitoring as a remedy for biometric data leaks.Artificial intelligence also takes center stage as the two unpack the debate over regulation and innovation. Mike shares insights on California's legislative efforts to regulate powerful AI systems, emphasizing the need to balance technological advancement with consumer protection and privacy safeguards.The discussion highlights the U.S.'s lack of comprehensive federal privacy legislation, exposing consumers to risks while creating inconsistent protections across states. Mike underscores the need for stronger regulatory guardrails and advocates for recognizing privacy as a fundamental human right.This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of technology, law, and privacy. Mike provides valuable insights on the current and future landscape of data governance and shares his hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

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• The Data Diva E223 - Luke Mulks and Debbie Reynolds

  Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Luke Mulks, Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software and host of the Brave Technologist podcast.Luke shares his unique journey from working in ad tech to joining Brave Software, where he now champions a privacy-first approach to browsing and online advertising. The conversation explores the profound issues in the ad tech ecosystem, the challenges of data over-collection, and the opportunities for innovation in building user-respecting solutions.Luke discusses the evolution of ad targeting from domain-specific ads to intrusive audience tracking across the web, underscoring how these methods have fueled surveillance capitalism. He explains how Brave Software takes a fundamentally different approach by respecting user privacy as a default setting while creating viable business models. By leveraging privacy-preserving technologies, Brave has proven that companies can monetize digital ecosystems without compromising user trust.Debbie and Luke address global privacy controls (GPC) and the broader regulatory landscape, highlighting its limitations and the challenges of relying on companies to act in good faith. Luke emphasizes that privacy solutions must be built into the technology—“an architectural and foundational approach”—rather than depending on users to opt into protections or companies to self-regulate. They also discuss the interplay between privacy and competition, exploring how dominant tech companies leverage monopolistic control over browsers, operating systems, and ad ecosystems to stifle innovation and consumer choice.The episode cexplores concerns, including cashless societies, financial privacy, and AI-powered content creation. Luke explains the importance of digital tools that preserve the anonymity of cash in a digital environment, warn and warnsst the risks of hyper-centralized financial systems. He also reflects on how AI disrupts privacy, advertising, and content integrity, underscoring the need for better tooling and ethical governance to address emerging challenges.Many thanks to the Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast Privacy Visionary, Smartbox AI, for sponsoring this episode and supporting our podcast. Smartbox.ai, named British AI Company of the Year, provides cutting-edge AI. For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the showSupport the show

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