Privacy has entered a new era. AI-generated content, ubiquitous surveillance, and unchecked data collection have created a landscape where individuals are constantly tracked but rarely informed. As digital tools outpace policy and public awareness, the need for accessible privacy education has never been greater.

University Distinguished Professor France Bélanger and Professor of Practice Donna Wertalik, both of Virginia Tech, are meeting this moment with a blend of academic depth and public communication. Through their joint initiative, Voices of Privacy, they translate decades of research and marketing insight into practical guidance for navigating the digital world. In this conversation, they discuss behavioral patterns, generational attitudes, flawed policy execution, and how building privacy habits early can shift the culture from passive acceptance to informed control.

Key Takeaways:

(05:10) Meaningful projects often begin with shared values and a simple idea.

(07:20) Remote work was an early signal of evolving surveillance norms.

(10:12) Advocacy in communication and branding can drive awareness around digital harm.

(17:45) Data is constantly collected, and informed choices are essential.

(23:39) Building privacy awareness requires relatable examples and early habit formation.

(28:11) Early education is crucial to shifting how privacy is understood.

(44:49) Strong policies can fall short without thoughtful implementation.

(51:42) Even experts face trade-offs when balancing convenience and privacy.

Resources Mentioned:

France Bélanger | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/france-belanger/

Donna Wertalik | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnawertalik/

Virginia Tech | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/school/virginia-tech/

Voices of Privacy | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/voices-of-privacy/

Voices of Privacy | Website -

https://voices-of-privacy.webflow.io/

Virginia Tech I Website -

http://www.vt.edu/

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) -

https://gdpr-info.eu/

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) -

https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa

Dove Real Beauty Campaign -

https://www.dove.com/us/en/campaigns/purpose/real-beauty-pledge.html

Roblox -

https://www.roblox.com/

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