Digital Dominoes

In this episode of The Quiet Cost, Angeline Corvaglia follows a parent struggling with a teacher’s requirement that students use WhatsApp, discovering Meta AI has no off switch and that chats with it aren’t end-to-end encrypted and can be used for ad personalization. The parent weighs data privacy and chatbot risks against the social and educational isolation her anxious 14-year-old might face if she refuses. She argues this reflects a broader structural problem: when platforms become functionally mandatory for school or work, consent becomes coerced “compliance,” and digital consent frameworks fail because refusal isn’t viable. Examples of school email and laptop “optional” programs show how opting out leaves children behind and excluded. She calls this “consent theater” and urges seamless, safe, privacy-first educational communication alternatives.

00:00 WhatsApp No Off Switch

01:46 Privacy Versus Belonging

02:46 When Consent Isn’t Real

03:19 My Own School Fight

04:46 Mandatory Adoption Trap

06:40 Regulations Assume Choice

07:09 Kids Pay the Price

07:58 Consent Theater Explained

09:53 She Thinks It’s Private

10:24 What Real Alternatives Need 1

2:35 Paperwork Isn’t Protection

13:35 Closing Thoughts

Follow Angeline on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-corvaglia or find out more on her website: https://corvaglia.me/

Music: “Burough by Molerider” by Blue Dot Sessions, licensed under CC BY‑NC 4.0

In this episode of The Quiet Cost, a series within the Digital Dominoes podcast, Angeline Corvaglia explores the “invisible gap” between evidence of safety and users’ actual safety on tech platforms, arguing that companies optimize for compliance metrics that show evidence that they are working toward user safety rather than making users actually safe. Using steps Instagram has taken against sextortion since 2024, she describes Meta’s responses: blurred nudity in DMs, warning prompts, teen DM restrictions, automatic nudity protection, suspicious-account limits, and sextortion reporting flows, while noting these measures often don’t stop coercion or manipulation.

She extends the pattern to OpenAI’s 2026 autonomous agent safety framework failing to prevent unauthorized real-world actions, and to Google’s AI principles and YouTube policies that coexist with engagement-driven recommendation harms. She cites Meta’s oversight board and a Brazil case where disinformation reached 400,000 users in six hours, emphasizing the need for outcome metrics, community trust, longitudinal tracking, and regulation that demands measurable protection, not just documentation.

00:00 Safety Claims vs Reality

00:47 Instagram Sextortion Fixes

02:28 Why Features Fall Short

03:53 Safety Evidence Playbook

04:22 Autonomous Agents Risks

05:35 YouTube Radicalization Loop

06:39 Compliance Metrics Trap

06:59 Oversight Without Accountability

08:10 Safety Is User Experience

09:36 Real World Costs

10:57 Measuring Outcomes Is Hard

12:33 Way Forward and Conclusion

Follow Angeline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-corvaglia/ or check out her website: https://corvaglia.me/

Music: “Burough by Molerider” by Blue Dot Sessions, licensed under CC BY‑NC 4.0

Episode 101: Welcome to The Glitch!

This is the first episode of our new monthly sub-series called 404: Sense of Humor Not Found. We’re here to make tech talk human, funny, and relatable because let’s face it, digital life is full of glitches.

What’s inside:

00:00 Intro: Surviving the chaos of tech

01:00 Meet the hosts: Kenya, Italy, and a rolling pin

04:00 Why this podcast exists (and why you’ll love it)

06:00 Segments explained: Hot Take, Facts or Phish, Tech Confessions

07:00 Tech Confession #1: Ponzi scheme gone wrong

11:00 Tech Confession #2: WhatsApp phishing fail

13:00 Tech Confession #3: Almost installing a scam

16:00 Wrap-up: Share your fails + closing bite

💡 Expect laughs, lessons, and a little chaos every month. Got a tech fail? Send it our way. We might feature it next time!

#TheGlitchPodcast #TechFails #DigitalCulture #OnlineSafety #AIHumor #404SenseOfHumorNotFound #PodcastLife

In this first episode of Where I Stand, I sit down with Andy Briercliffe, an online harms consultant and SHIELD Board member, to talk about what community means when everything is connected, why the biggest challenge isn’t AI but human behavior, and what gives him hope for the future of digital safety. This isn’t just another conversation about tech. It’s about how tech shapes our communities.

Andy doesn’t shy away from the hard truths: regulation matters, AI is evolving fast, but behind every algorithm is a human choice. He shares why collaboration across education, tech, and grassroots communities is the only way forward, and why protecting young people and vulnerable groups must stay at the center.

This conversation is part of what SHIELD stands for: amplifying voices that remind us technology is powerful, but responsibility is non-negotiable. If you care about online safety, ethical AI, and building a safer digital future, this episode is for you.

This content is also available in video form, which you can find here: https://youtu.be/vRgy9koLQAs

In this episode of Digital Dominoes, we interview Parag Patel from Kids Nanny, an AI-powered parental control app. Parag shares insights into the app's development, its focus on privacy, and the importance of open dialogue between parents and children. He discusses key features like screen scanning, monitoring according to specific parental concerns, and age-appropriate app databases, as well as the challenges faced in different cultural contexts and parental approaches to online safety. Patel emphasizes the need for both parties to be on board and highlights the app's approach to safeguarding children's online privacy while ensuring their safety.

00:00 Introduction to Digital Dominoes

00:07 Meet Parag Patel: Co-Founder of Kids Nanny

01:14 The Core Features of Kids Nanny

02:20 Balancing Privacy and Protection

04:34 Cultural Differences in Parenting Styles

06:58 Challenges and Feedback from Parents

10:52 Innovative Solutions for Child Safety

12:28 Addressing Data Privacy Concerns

15:22 Real-Life Success Stories

15:57 Preventing Child Abuse Material

17:45 Avoiding Parental Control Misuse

18:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links to speakers and organizations:

Parag Patel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/papatel/

Kids Nanny: https://kidsnanny.ca/

Angeline Corvaglia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-corvaglia/

Check out our sponsor:

Data Girl and Friends: https://data-girl-and-friends.com/

In this thought-provoking and very timely episode of Digital Dominoes, Angeline has an inspiring conversation with Alexandria Onuoha, who recently completed her PhD dissertation on the meaning of joy among Black girls. Alexandria shares her research, which challenges the conventional deficit-based models of understanding Black children. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing joy as a core part of the human experience, even in the face of adversity. Her study involved 14 Black middle school girls capturing their interpretations of joy through photography, revealing insights into how joy is perceived as a constant source tied to spirituality and purpose. The episode extends into broader discussions on societal perceptions, youth development, and the role of digital spaces in shaping self-esteem and mental health. Alexandria underscores the need for creating joy spaces both offline and online to foster resilience against social and digital harms. Tune in to learn how joy can be a radical act of resistance and collective futures for Black girls and beyond.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:15 Alexandria's Dissertation on Joy

02:54 Methodology: Photo Voice Study

04:17 Key Findings on Joy

07:49 Digital Context and Black Girls

19:04 Intersectional Bias and Misogynoir

23:01 Lessons from Black Girls

27:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More on the speakers:

• Alexandria Onuoha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriaonuoha/
• Angeline Corvaglia https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-corvaglia/

Check out our sponsor, Data Girl and Friends: https://data-girl-and-friends.com/

#Joy #Resilience #YouthDevelopment #SocialJustice #DigitalWellness #IntersectionalBias #Empowerment #MentalHealth #JoySpaces learn how joy can be a radical act of resistance and collective futures for Black girls and beyond

In this eye-opening episode of Digital Dominoes, we dive into the world of data workers with Krista Pawloski, an activist with Turkopticon. She shares her fascinating journey as a data worker since 2008 with Amazon Mechanical Turk and sheds light on the stark realities and challenges faced by those in her profession. Krista discusses the nature of gig work, the financial instability, and the critical yet invisible role data workers play in shaping AI technologies. The conversation also touches on broader societal implications, from job offshoring to ethics in AI development. Join us to understand the hidden labor powering the digital age.

00:00 Introduction to Digital Dominoes

00:34 Guest Introduction - Krista Pawloski

01:12 Krista’s Background and Journey

05:23 The Nature of Data Work on Amazon Mechanical Turk

08:46 Financial Instability and Job Stress

12:11 The Role of Requesters and Job Complexity

16:07 Ethical and Humanitarian Concerns

22:30 Global Impact and Job Offshoring

27:54 AI Bias and Diversity in Data Labeling

31:45 Challenges in Activism and Seeking Change

36:12 Call to Action and Raising Public Awareness

38:05 Conclusion

More on the speakers:

• Krista Pawloski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-pawloski-aa1b3263/
• Angeline Corvaglia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-corvaglia/

Check out our sponsor, Data Girl and Friends: [https://data-girl-and-friends.com/]

#DigitalDominoes #DataWorkers #AIDevelopment #AmazonMechanicalTurk #HotTopic #GigEconomy #AIbias #TechEthics #HiddenLabor #AIworkforce

In this episode of Digital Dominoes, Angeline engages H. Mustafa Akyol in a thoughtful discussion on the importance of responsible AI. Mustafa delves into the philosophical foundations of ethics in AI, tracing concepts from Aristotle to modern technological advancements. He highlights the limitations of regulatory approaches due to complexity, weak enforcement, and rollback issues, suggesting that regulations alone cannot ensure ethical AI. Instead, Mustafa advocates for grassroots consumer demand as a more effective strategy. He argues that if public awareness and education foster consumer demand for ethical AI, companies will view ethical practices as a competitive advantage rather than a regulatory burden. This shift could encourage corporations to proactively adopt responsible AI practices, leading to globally unified standards. The episode emphasizes the power of collective will in shaping the future of AI ethics.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:33 Exploring Responsible AI

01:37 Philosophical Foundations of AI Ethics

03:23 AI's Impact on Human Uniqueness

06:21 Challenges in AI Regulation

07:53 Public Awareness and Consumer Demand

13:38 Global Collaboration for Ethical AI

15:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

Special thanks to

H. Mustafa Akyol for taking time to be a part of this episode!

Follow Mustafa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/h-mustafa-akyol-582b382a8/

You can also check out Angeline Corvaglia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-corvaglia/

Episode sponsored by Data Girl and Friends

They are on a mission to build awareness and foster critical thinking about AI, online safety, privacy, and digital citizenship. They inspire the next generation to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly through fun, engaging, and informative content. They focus on empowering young digital citizens and their families through engaging and informative learning.

Find out more at: https://data-girl-and-friends.com/

In this episode of Digital Dominoes, we dive deep into the world of AI and the hidden workforce behind it, known as 'ghost workers,' with Martijn Arets. Martijn shares his extensive experience researching the impact of digital platforms and technology on labor over the past 13 years. He discusses the often invisible labor force that supports AI systems, the global perspective on technology’s impact on labor markets, and the significant challenges and ethical considerations these workers face. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of technological advancements on society, regulatory frameworks, and the essential role of awareness and advocacy in driving change. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the human element behind AI advancements and the importance of fair labor practices in the digital age.

00:00 Introduction to Digital Dominoes

00:45 Meet Martijn Arets

02:20 The Ghost Workers Webinar

05:15 The Invisible AI Labor Force

07:35 Global Perspective on Technology and Labor

11:05 Ethical Concerns and Worker Exploitation

15:25 The Role of Advocacy and Policy

20:40 Comparing to the Textile Industry

25:15 Future of Work and AI

29:35 Practical Steps for Awareness and Change

33:00 Bridging the Knowledge Gap

37:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information:

Martijn Arets: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijnarets/

Experts and organizations mentioned in this episode:

Antonio A. Casilli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acasilli/

Claartje ter Hoeven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claartje-ter-hoeven-720317265/

Wageindicator Foundation: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wageindicator/

Check out our sponsor Data Girl and Friends: https://data-girl-and-friends.com/. They are on a mission to inspire young minds by fostering awareness and critical thinking about AI, online safety, privacy, and digital citizenship in a fun, engaging, and informative way.

#AI #GhostWorkers #TechnologyImpact #LaborRights #DigitalDominoes

In this episode of Digital Dominoes, host Angeline Corvaglia sits down with Alyssa Coon, a privacy attorney and consultant, to discuss strategies for raising informed digital citizens. Alyssa shares her innovative approach to navigating technology with her children, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions, understanding data privacy, and fostering open dialogue. The conversation covers practical tips on how parents can manage and monitor their kids' online activities, the significance of setting boundaries, and the impact of technology on children's social interactions. This episode aims to empower parents with tools and knowledge to help their kids safely and wisely navigate the digital world.

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Alyssa's Background and Approach

02:30 Empowering Kids with Knowledge

07:00 Managing Online Conversations and Content

10:15 Privacy Settings and Restrictions

15:40 The Importance of Open Dialogue

19:00 Impact of Peer Pressure and Social Media

23:15 Balancing Trust and Control

26:50 Understanding and Engaging with Kids' Interests

30:00 Parental Rights and Privacy Best Practices

35:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out our sponsor, Data Girl and Friends: https://data-girl-and-friends.com/

#DigitalParenting #OnlineSafety #Privacy #InformedCitizenship #DataPrivacy #ParentalControl #Technology #DigitalLiteracy