The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks Data Privacy with industry leaders around the world about issues businesses need to know now.

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“If anybody knows where to go for the types of conversations that they need to have on Data Privacy, you are that person. You are a rock star in this space.”
— Dr. Nicol Turner Lee Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution, and the founder of the AI Equity Lab

"The Data Diva" Talks Privacy Podcast reaches listeners in over 121 countries with over 480,000+ downloads!

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"The Data Diva" Talks Privacy Podcast reaches listeners in over 121 countries with over 480,000+ downloads! 〰️

Debbie Reynolds Debbie Reynolds

E216 - Jim Amos, Human-First Technologist

Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" talks to Jim Amos, a Human-First Technologist. We discuss the challenges and implications of AI, privacy, and surveillance, delving into critical concerns about how companies adopt AI technologies and the risks they introduce.

Jim shares his skepticism about the hype surrounding generative AI, emphasizing that many companies overlook the importance of solid data management systems before implementing these technologies. He argues that while AI holds potential, the exaggerated promises of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and other advancements often distract from the real issues. We also discuss the hidden human labor behind AI systems and the environmental and ethical costs associated with technology.

The conversation touches on broader societal issues, such as the growing surveillance state, the exploitation of human data, and the power imbalance between tech billionaires and the general public. We emphasize the need for more thoughtful, critical discussions around AI's role in shaping the future and advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to address the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding emerging technologies.

This insightful episode provides a nuanced perspective on the current state of AI and its impact on society, encouraging listeners to question tech leaders' promises and consider the broader implications of these innovations and his hope for AI and  Data Privacy in the future.


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E215 -Jennifer Pierce, PhD, Founder of Singular XQ, AI and Performance Anthropology 

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Jennifer Pierce, PhD, Founder of Singular XQ, AI and Performance Anthropology. We discuss the evolution of online community building with a shift noted from personal blogs and small communities to the current reliance on big platforms and algorithms. Concerns are raised about the lack of intentional community building and the influence of algorithms on digital spaces. We stress the importance of finding genuine connections and understanding the impact of algorithm-driven content. We also highlight the lack of transparency and understanding in AI decision-making, pointing out the complexity and ambiguity of terms like "autonomous" and "semi-autonomous." Pierce expresses concern about the theatricality in technology demonstrations and the need for honesty and transparency to build investor confidence. Her nonprofit's mission to address human problems in digital transformation and AI products is passionately discussed, with an emphasis on the societal and cultural understanding of technology. We explore misconceptions and the need for clarity and specificity in discussing AI technologies.

Pierce speaks about the unethical practices of e-commerce platforms and advocates for public outcry and action against unsustainable data practices. She encourages individuals to adopt more sustainable and mindful technology uses and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E214 - Emerald De Leeuw-Goggin, Global Head of AI Governance & Privacy, Co-founder of Women in AI Governance

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Emerald De Leeuw-Goggin, Global Head of AI Governance & Privacy and Women in AI Governance Co-founder. We discuss the intersection of privacy, technology, and the representation of women in AI governance. Emerald shares her background, detailing her transition from the Netherlands to Ireland and her early interest in privacy tech, which led to the founding of Women in AI Governance. This organization aims to address the lack of diversity in AI leadership, empowering local leaders to foster inclusivity and representation in the field.

The conversation also addresses pressing concerns regarding the implications of AI technologies, such as deepfakes, on mental health and privacy. Both speakers highlight the ethical considerations necessary in AI applications, particularly in advertising, to mitigate harmful effects. We discuss the EU AI Act and its parallels to the GDPR, stressing the need for clear guidelines and the importance of organizations articulating their values to ensure ethical practices. The meeting concludes with a shared commitment to future collaboration and a mutual appreciation for the insights exchanged, underscoring the significance of responsible AI development alongside privacy considerations and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.


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E213 - Bill Buchanan, Professor of Applied Cryptography at Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland) 

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Bill Buchanan, Professor of Applied Cryptography at Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland). Professor Buchanan begins by sharing his career journey, highlighting his transition from electrical engineering to becoming a prominent figure in cryptography and cybersecurity. The conversation covers key topics, including the distinction between symmetric key encryption and public key encryption, where Buchanan explains how these methods are used to secure communications. He also dives into the importance of digital signatures for verifying data authenticity and maintaining data integrity, emphasizing their role in making the internet more trustworthy. The discussion expands into advanced cryptographic techniques like hashing functions, zero-knowledge proofs, and homomorphic encryption, which allow encrypted data to be processed securely without decryption. Buchanan sheds light on the critical challenge of key management in preventing data breaches, especially in cloud environments, and introduces listeners to post-quantum cryptography, which aims to protect against the emerging threat of quantum computers. The episode also touches on artificial intelligence’s influence on cryptography, where AI’s ability to exploit side channels and reverse-engineer code presents new challenges. Buchanan addresses the ongoing debate surrounding government surveillance and backdoors in encryption, warning of the risks associated with weakening encryption standards. He concludes with his vision for the future of data privacy, advocating for a more citizen-focused approach that grants individuals greater control over their data, especially as AI and large tech companies continue to reshape the digital landscape. This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving world of cryptography, data privacy, and the future of security in a rapidly advancing technological era and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E212 - Dr. Genevieve Bartuski, Founder and CEO of Bartuski Consulting, Data Privacy, Cyberpsychology, & AI Governance

Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" talks to Dr. Genevieve Bartuski, Founder and CEO of Bartuski Consulting, Data Privacy, Cyberpsychology and AI Governance. We discuss Genevieve's professional background and transition to becoming a data privacy and cybersecurity consultant. We also explore the intersection of technology and human behavior, emphasizing online privacy's ethical considerations and societal implications. The conversation underscores the complex nature of cyberpsychology and its multifaceted influence on people's lives.

We explore the potential privacy harms, biases, and lack of transparency in decision-making processes associated with artificial intelligence (AI). We highlight the impact of AI on medical and psychological studies, emphasizing the potential health disparities and biases in research and the need for more inclusive and transparent practices in AI development and implementation. We also discuss the limitations of traditional intelligence and personality assessments and the need for a more holistic approach that considers an individual's environment and background.

The discussion also touches on privacy and data concerns, including deep fakes, age verification for children online, and the growing collection of personal data. We express skepticism about the necessity and security of providing personal information and the need for clearer, more transparent policies, particularly written in plain language, to make it easier for consumers to understand. Additionally, we highlight the importance of making policies and terms of service more straightforward and accessible to consumers and the need for greater transparency in data handling.

We also discuss the EU AI Act, its potential international influence, and the risks of unauthorized AI use, including exposing personal and confidential information in public models. We emphasize the need for low-tech security measures and a culture of psychological safety to effectively address privacy breaches. Additionally, we express our wishes for minimizing data collection, eliminating scammers, and establishing global regulations to address privacy concerns, highlighting the potential role of international bodies like the Hague or the UN in setting guidelines for privacy and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E211 - Paul Starrett, Co-Founder, PrivacyLabs, Founder, Starrett Law (AI-Governance Technology, Law, Cyber Risk)

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Paul Starrett, Co-Founder, PrivacyLabs, Founder, Starrett Law ( AI-Governance Technology, Law, Cyber Risk). We discuss an overview of his career journey, highlighting his transition from security and technology to law and specialization in AI and data science. Debbie Reynolds discusses the legal industry's approach to technology, prompting Paul to share his perspective on the industry's slow adoption of technology and the need for improved data literacy. We also discuss the historical context of technology and AI adoption, reflecting on the transition from manual to digital processes and the growing reliance on technology in the workplace.

We explore the multifaceted aspects of governance in AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of GRC and the need to understand the underlying reasons for governance practices. We also explore the complexities of addressing bias in AI applications, highlighting the risks associated with biased data and the challenges of ensuring fair and unbiased outcomes. Furthermore, we discuss the surprising challenges companies face with data and AI, particularly in navigating the hype cycle and understanding the proper use of AI as an enabler for specific tasks.

We engage in a conversation about the proper use of technology, highlighting the importance of understanding its functionality to mitigate potential risks and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E210 - Nigel Scott, Director, X-Digital Pty Limited, Digital Strategy, Project Management & Marketing (Australia)

Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva", talks to Nigel Scott, Director, X-Digital Pty Limited, Digital Strategy, Project Management & Marketing (Australia). We discuss his career journey and share his insights on artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI. He emphasizes the need for dedicated individuals to truly excel in utilizing this technology and questions the widespread appeal of generative AI. Nigel and Debbie discuss the implications of Generative AI for data systems and organizational productivity, emphasizing the importance of teaching people how to think and ask complex questions when using generative AI.

The conversation also goes into the impact of privacy on data in the web era, prompting contemplation about the future implications of these interconnected elements. Nigel emphasizes the importance of finding a lazy way to come to a solution to ensure high user satisfaction and adoption in user experience design. Debbie initiates a discussion about data deletion and the complexities of privacy laws, particularly referencing the "right to be forgotten" in Europe. The conversation concludes with excitement for the future possibilities and the anticipation of the episode's release.

Nigel and Debbie discuss the future of technology and trust, particularly focusing on the role of AI in negotiating trust between parties. Nigel emphasizes the importance of trust over privacy and highlights the potential for AI to foster an environment of trust in the digital space. They also touch upon the challenges regulators face in understanding the complexities of technology, the need for a shift in mindset to embrace the potential of AI for the benefit of humanity, and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E209 - Monique Priestley, State of Vermont House of Representatives

Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Monique Priestley, State of Vermont House of Representatives (Privacy Advocate). We discuss Monique’s involvement in Vermont privacy bills and advocacy efforts, emphasizing the significance of the bill and the need for continued advocacy in the privacy space. Monique details the arduous journey of the Kids Code and Data Privacy bill through the State Senate, citing industry pressure and last-minute negotiations that led to unexpected changes in the bill's version. We talk about the complexities of regulation, focusing on the challenges faced at the U/S. State and federal levels.

We also discuss the shifting dynamics of consumer privacy and the impact of lobbying efforts on legislative measures to safeguard consumer rights. We emphasize the critical need for raising public awareness and providing education on data privacy issues, expressing concerns about the dissemination of misinformation and fear-mongering tactics used by lobbyists to thwart consumer protection bills. Monique stresses the significance of having industry experts testify and provides assistance in countering arguments and misinformation related to policy issues.

The conversation also touches on the pressing need for stronger privacy legislation at both state and federal levels, particularly in response to recent data breaches affecting a large number of Americans. We express concerns about the challenges of managing privacy issues on a state level and the potential impact of a weak federal law on consumer protection. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of creating solutions for individuals affected by data breaches and the need for broader education on privacy issues. We also explore the intricate relationship between AI legislation and data privacy, underscoring the crucial need for data protection regulations as a foundational step before enacting AI bills.

Monique stresses the significance of public awareness, data minimization, and the protection of both consumers and businesses, expressing the need for storytelling testimony to support their cause. We touch upon developing a playbook to assist other U.S. states in implementing similar protections and the collaborative efforts with advocacy groups and other states to advance their cause. The conversation also highlights the potential impact of their efforts on a state-by-state basis, the intention to create a playbook detailing the legislative process and common amendment requests, and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E208 - Jesper Graugaard, Father to the Danish Chromebook Case / Danish GDPR Activist

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Jesper Graugaard, Father of the Danish Chromebook case and Danish GDPR Activist. We discuss his concerns about the digital age and its impact on his children's education. He recounted how his children's introduction to technology in school, particularly through the use of Chromebooks, raised concerns about privacy and data security. His distress over discovering his son's unauthorized social media profile, created using personal information without consent, led him to confront the school. The school's dismissive response further fueled his determination to advocate for better safeguards to protect children's privacy in the digital education landscape in Denmark. We discuss the complex case involving the Danish Data Protection Authority (DPA) and the use of Google Workspace for education in Danish schools. Jesper outlines the legal challenges, negotiations with Google, and the broader implications for privacy and data protection in public schools and minors. The discussion also touched on the impact of the case across Europe, raising concerns about handling personal data and the need for national solutions to address privacy and cultural differences. Additionally, the conversation explored the intersection of privacy, data protection, and safety in the context of public education.

The podcast concludes with a conversation filled with mutual appreciation and gratitude for each other's work. Debbie highlighted the significance of personal stories in advocacy, acknowledging Jesper’s unique perspective as a concerned parent and advocate for children's data rights and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E207 - Andrew Hopkins, President, PrivacyChain

Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Andrew Hopkins, President of PrivacyChain. We discuss the limitations of the current centralized data model and the potential advantages of a decentralized data model. We emphasize the importance of managing data at a granular level and embedding control and intelligence into data to ensure privacy and security. The conversation also explores the evolving role of metadata in AI systems, the challenges of data duplication, and the strategic approach to file management.

We discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding data management and privacy in the era of artificial intelligence. We address the difficulties of tracking and managing data without proper metadata, the implications of AI on privacy, and the business considerations of data ownership. We explore the potential for decentralization to enable fair data monetization for individuals and the need for granular control over data at a micro-level to enforce rights.

The conversation underscored the need for a shift in mindset towards data privacy and security and the potential benefits of enabling individuals to make informed choices about their data. We emphasize the importance of choice at every level of data usage, advocating for individuals and organizations to have control over their data. We also proposed a paradigm shift towards safeguarding content at a micro level and granting individual contributors greater control over their work in the publishing industry. Overall, Andrew highlighted the ongoing shift in thinking, the challenges associated with advocating for decentralized models in the face of existing trends and revenue models,  and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E206 - Lisa Manns, Chief Executive Officer at Authentikid

Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" talks to Lisa Manns, CEO of Authenticid. We discuss her personal journey as a CEO and parent, the profound impact of technology on her family, and the challenges of parenting in the digital age. She highlights her son's early exposure to inappropriate online content, emphasizing the need for vigilance and responsible role modeling.

Lisa Manns discusses recognizing children's creativity and developing solutions for a safer environment. She addresses the impact of immediate gratification on children's safety and the responsibility of schools to ensure third-party apps comply with COPA and FERPA regulations. Manns encourages parents to proactively understand threats to their children's privacy and the implications of data exposure on platforms like the dark web.

Drawing from personal experience, Lisa Manns highlights the issue of minors lying about their age online. She introduces Authentikid, a system providing authentic keys to minors for free, used with Authentilocks at schools to enhance security and streamline access. She outlines plans to expand Authentilocks to corporations, enabling them to verify user age groups, obtain parental consent, and control access based on age-appropriate criteria.

Lisa Manns and Debbie Reynolds discuss the implications of the Children's Online Safety Act (COSA) and COPPA 2.0 on companies' design elements, privacy policies, and parental consent for minors. They emphasize the need for companies to understand their target age groups and adapt policies accordingly. They express concerns about the prescriptive nature of age verification laws and their potential impact on online anonymity and freedom of speech, particularly regarding minors' access to adult content. They also touch on the challenges of parental consent, the risks associated with minors uploading personal identification to access online platforms, and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E205 - Daniel Suciu, (un)Common Sense Advisory, Data Protection & Governance - Romania

Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Daniel Suciu, (un)Common Sense Advisory, Data Protection & Governance - Romania. We discuss the need for companies to prioritize efforts in managing critical data, such as that related to children and health, and highlight the potential benefits of understanding and managing data, including cost savings and increased efficiency. Additionally, they discuss the importance of learning from successful examples in other jurisdictions and treating data as a valuable asset.

We also delve into the complexities of compliance and risk assessment in business operations, emphasizing the need to avoid imposing unnecessary procedures on businesses. They stress the importance of understanding each business's specific risks and needs and the significance of using the organization's words and documents to analyze their work. Furthermore, they explore the notion of compliance as an ongoing action rather than a finite goal, and they address the challenges posed by powerful companies that may resist or evade compliance due to their influence and business models.

We discuss the essential role of relationships and communication in business. We express the importance of collaboration and share insights on using humor, understanding cultural differences in the professional environment, and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E204 - David Evan Harris, Chancellor's Public Scholar, University of California, Berkeley, Business Insider AI 100

Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” talks to David Evan Harris, Chancellor's Public Scholar, University of California, Berkeley, Business Insider AI 100. Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” talks to David Evan Harris, Chancellor's Public Scholar, University of California, Berkeley, Business Insider AI 100. We discuss civic engagement, election integrity, responsible AI, and governance, and Harris brings a wealth of experience and insight to our conversation.

Throughout the episode, Harris delves into the profound implications of AI technology on democratic processes, particularly its impact on elections. He underscores the urgent need for legislative frameworks to mitigate the risks of AI manipulation and preserve the integrity of democratic institutions. Drawing from his experiences, Harris advocates for robust privacy protections, positioning privacy as a fundamental right in the digital age. He emphasizes the importance of transparent privacy settings and user consent mechanisms to empower individuals and safeguard their personal data from exploitation.

Beyond his advocacy for privacy rights, Harris explores the ethical responsibilities of technology companies in developing and deploying AI systems. He challenges the industry to prioritize ethical considerations and accountability, urging policies that ensure technology serves societal good while respecting individual freedoms. Harris shares insights from his engagements in public policy, highlighting efforts in California and Brussels to strengthen regulations around AI, privacy, and social media rights.

Throughout the conversation, Harris' reflections are punctuated by notable quotes that encapsulate his stance on data privacy and ethical AI practices. He stresses, "AI companies shouldn't see the world's data as theirs for the taking. Privacy should be a right, and consent and compensation should be key principles in data usage." Harris also questions the status quo of privacy settings, advocating for defaults prioritizing user privacy and clear, accessible explanations of data practices.

This episode offers profound insights and thought-provoking discussions for listeners interested in the evolving landscape of AI ethics, the impact of technology on democracy, and the future of data privacy. Harris' expertise and advocacy provide a compelling narrative on the complexities of AI governance and the imperative to balance technological advancement with ethical considerations. He also shares his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E203 - Darren Spence, Chief Revenue Officer, SmartBox AI (UK)

Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva," talks to Darren Spence, the Chief Revenue Officer of SmartBox AI. He provides an overview of their applied AI solution, which detects and redacts personal and sensitive data within unstructured data sets like email systems and chat conversations. We discuss the long-standing challenge of managing sensitive data in the digital age, highlighting manual redaction processes' inefficiency and laborious nature.

The conversation also touches on the impact of privacy regulations on companies, emphasizing the need for transparency and the challenges of fulfilling data subject access requests (DSAR). Darren expanded on the global reach of privacy regulations and the need for companies to handle tough regulations worldwide. Additionally, the conversation goes into the complexities of data security, highlighting the challenges of responding to cyber incidents under different regulatory timeframes across the world. Darren illustrated the risks of personal data residing in email systems and shared a case where a company faced difficulties in quantifying the impact of a breach due to scattered personal data across data systems.

We discuss the proactive measures organizations can take to protect personal data and mitigate insider threats. We emphasize the significance of using technology to identify and secure personal data within an organization's IT environment, highlighting the potential risks associated with unauthorized access and data breaches. The conversation also touches on the challenges of duplicates within organizations, particularly when sensitive information is inadvertently duplicated and shared.

The conversation touched on the alarming trend of people sharing personal data without fully comprehending the potential risks of social engineering attacks, particularly the use of deep fake voices and facial videos, which could lead to identity theft and financial fraud. He emphasized the need for greater authenticity of content, the need to combat echo chambers, and the need to make decisions based on factual information to create a kinder society. He also expressed his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E202 - Meghan Anzelc, President, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, 3Arc Advisory, Chief AI Product Officer

Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Meghan Anzelc, President, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Three Arc Advisory, and Chief AI Product Officer. We discuss her expertise in data and AI, emphasizing the importance of responsible integration of these capabilities into organizations. She stresses the need to align AI with business strategy and problem-solving rather than succumbing to the hype surrounding AI.

The conversation also explores the evolving dynamics of board composition based on organization size, emphasizing the critical role of technologists in larger organizations. Additionally, the importance of a diverse blend of expertise in the boardroom and the need for continuous learning and supplementation of skills and experiences were emphasized.

The discussion also touches on the multifaceted privacy concerns related to AI tools, the critical role of data provenance and lineage in the governance of AI, and the challenges and best practices for implementing AI in organizations. Anzelc and Reynolds emphasize the importance of documenting data and building governance muscle, articulating problem-solving approaches, defining metrics and KPIs, and implementing monitoring frameworks to ensure AI solutions' successful implementation and ongoing performance. The conversation provided valuable insights for organizations navigating the complexities of AI implementation, the responsible and ethical use of AI, and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E201 - Angeline Corvaglia, Founder, Data Girl and Friends

Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Angeline Corvaglia, Founder of Data Girl and Friends (Italy). We discuss various topics related to technology, parenting, and education. They talked about Angeline's background in tech and her mission to raise awareness about digital safety for children. They also discuss the risks associated with AI chatbot companions and the need to educate parents about AI and its potential impact on privacy. The conversation highlighted the generational gap and parenting challenges in the digital age.

The discussion also touches on the delicate balance between privacy and empowerment for children in the digital age. They emphasize the importance of creating educational content that educates children and provides opportunities for adults to learn alongside them, fostering a deeper understanding of complex concepts. They also discuss the need for stricter regulations on tech companies to safeguard privacy, the contrasting privacy policies between Europe and the U.S., and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E200 - Nicol Turner Lee, The Brookings Institution, Author, Digitally Invisible: How the Internet is creating the new underclass

In a first in the show's history, on the special episode 200 of "The Data Diva" Talks Privacy Podcast, Debbie Reynolds talks once more to Nicol Turner Lee, Senior Fellow, Governance Studies and Director, Center for Technology Innovation, The Brookings Institution, Author, Digitally Invisible: How the Internet is Creating the New Underclass. This episode explores the profound implications of digital access, or the lack thereof, on marginalized communities. Nicol shares insights from her extensive research on the digital divide, highlighting the emergence of a new underclass of increasingly "digitally invisible" individuals in our rapidly advancing technological world. The discussion touches on the intersection of privacy, AI, and universal service, emphasizing the critical need for equitable access to technology as a foundational element of modern society.

Nicol and Debbie discuss the urgent need for policy reform to address these disparities, the role of AI in exacerbating or alleviating digital inequities, and the importance of privacy as a cornerstone of digital rights. Nicol also shares personal anecdotes from her research, including surprising stories from communities across America grappling with these issues.

Key Topics:

The concept of being "digitally invisible" and the new digital underclass

The intersection of privacy, AI, and digital access

Nicol's role on the prestigious US Homeland Security AI Safety Advisory Board includes CEOs of Nvidia, IBM, OpenAI, Microsoft, Alphabet, etc.

The importance of universal service and equitable technology access

Personal stories from Nicol's research that highlight the real-world impact of digital disparities

The need for comprehensive privacy legislation in the age of AI

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E199 - John Cavanaugh, Executive Director & Privacy Evangelist, The Plunk Foundation

Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to John Cavanaugh, Executive Director & Privacy Evangelist, The Plunk Foundation. We discuss his unique journey into the privacy sector, beginning from his college days. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots privacy, a crucial aspect often overlooked in the profession. The conversation explores the intersection of technology, education, and student well-being, discussing the challenges of developing a platform that balances academic support with financial constraints. We also express concerns about AI's potential to exploit vulnerable populations, highlighting the alarming ease with which bad actors can access and misuse personal information.

We delve into the growing worries about data privacy and AI technologies. We express alarm over recent news that GPT 4o can access users' entire devices, discussing the potential misuse of data and the importance of responsible AI development. The rise of emotional AI and its implications for privacy and ethics are also discussed, raising ethical questions surrounding the integration of AI into daily life and emphasizing the need for fair and ethical AI practices.

The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming MidwestCon event in Cincinnati. John discusses his role in the event and expresses his wish for clear opt-in privacy regulations and transparent data usage by organizations. He highlights the importance of allowing individuals to change their consent at any time. We are enthusiastic about the event and committed to promoting privacy awareness and John shares his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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E198 - Giulia Carna, Senior Data Protection Counsel, ACI Worldwide (United Kingdom)

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Giulia Carna, Global Senior Data Privacy Counsel , ACI Worldwide (United Kingdom). We discuss the intricacies of the EU's AI Act, its impact on privacy regulations, and the ongoing challenges in the data protection realm.

Giulia Carna shares her journey from a corporate and commercial lawyer in Milan to becoming a leading privacy law expert. She provides insights into the EU's AI Act, discussing its categorization of AI systems and the importance of a risk-based approach to regulation. The episode also offers a comparison of AI and privacy regulation approaches across the EU, UK, and US, highlighting their distinct strategies and common challenges.

As we delve into the current privacy challenges, Giulia emphasizes the shift from compliance-focused strategies to addressing technological challenges involving AI, big data, and the Internet of Things. She discusses strategies for integrating legal compliance with business goals and explains how organizations can navigate compliance across different organizational levels. She also talks about her hope for data privacy in the future.

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E197 - Matthew Lowe, Senior In-House Attorney, Data Privacy & AI, IBM and Adjunct Professor of AI Ethics, Legal Studies Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Matthew Lowe, Senior In-House Attorney, Data Privacy & AI, IBM and Adjunct Professor of AI Ethics, Legal Studies Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst. We discuss shared connections through the New York State Bar Association and our roles in shaping the intersection of law and technology. Matthew discusses the recent advancements in AI technology and the proactive measures the industry is taking in response to evolving privacy regulations, emphasizing the importance of technical controls to protect intellectual property.

The conversation deepens to explore how the heightened public awareness of data privacy has influenced attitudes toward AI technologies. Matthew shares his concerns about the potential misuse of deepfake technology and its challenges for digital trust and authentication. The dialogue also covers the increasing sophistication of social engineering attacks and the crucial role of public education in combating these threats.

Looking ahead, Debbie and Matthew speculate on the future of federal privacy legislation in the U.S., considering the impact of recent executive actions and the potential for comprehensive AI regulations. Matthew expresses his wish for greater transparency and informed decision-making in the fields of privacy and AI, underscoring the need for improved public understanding and regulatory frameworks.

The episode concludes with Matthew reflecting on the educational value of discussing AI and privacy and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.

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The Data Diva Talks Privacy Team Credits

Host – Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva,” Debbie Reynolds Consulting LLC

A Data Diva Media Production

Producer - Data Diva Media

Producer and Research – MK Holmes - Data Diva Media

Graphic Design - Data Diva Media