In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind. In this episode, we start by imagining a future privacy landscape where individual privacy is protected, and users have real agency and choice and look at the steps we need to take to get there. We explore the significant impact of advertising and extractive data economies on our daily technological interactions and emphasize the critical interdependency of AI on vast amounts of personal data. We discuss the challenges posed by large tech platforms developing AI models that will shape future technology products.

The episode also looks into the misconception around cookie tracking consent notifications under GDPR and looks at legislative reform around privacy globally. We discuss the growing need for robust data breach deterrence as the OAIC aims to penalise entities for systemic failures to secure personal information. Lastly, we consider the immense infrastructural power of technology and its role in shaping society, highlighting how big tech companies are not just intermediaries but are actively influencing the world we live in .

Carly Kind became Australia’s Privacy Commissioner in February 2024. Prior to this, she was the inaugural director of the Ada Lovelace Institute. She is a lawyer and leading authority on the intersection of technology, policy and human rights. She has advised industry, government and for purpose organizations and has worked with the European Commission, the Council of Europe, UN bodies and a range of civil society organizations. 

Resources mentioned in the recording:

· Hard Fork https://www.nytimes.com/column/hard-fork 

· Ezra Klein podcast https://www.nytimes.com/column/ezra-klein-podcast 

· Exponential View from Azeem Azhar https://www.exponentialview.co 

· Miah Hammond-Errey (2024)  Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (30% off code: ADC24)

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.