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Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Debra Brookes, Former Deputy Virtual Currency Chief of the Research and Innovation Division, New York State Department of Financial Services. We discuss her career journey, which includes over 20 years of legal experience in enforcement and regulatory spaces, her transition to cryptocurrency regulation, and her involvement in investigating the Twitter hack. The conversation also touches on current concerns in the world related to virtual currency and cryptocurrency.

Brookes raises the alarm about the lack of comprehensive federal regulation in the cryptocurrency market, citing ongoing instances of corruption and fraud. She underscores the significance of New York's leadership in crypto regulation but points out the inherent limitations of state-specific laws, which allow companies to exploit regulatory gaps by operating across state borders. We discuss the concept of anonymity in cryptocurrency transactions, reflecting on the original vision of blockchain technology and its evolution towards increased transparency. We also explore the potential of digital wallets and the use of biometric data for security, expressing reservations about their reliability and potential vulnerabilities. We delve into the accessibility and safety aspects of virtual currency transactions, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with cryptocurrency. We also discuss the challenges faced by the unbanked population and the potential use of cell phones for virtual currency transactions, emphasizing the role of digital wallets in identity verification. Additionally, we touch on the risks associated with keeping significant amounts of cash at home and the potential for virtual currencies to provide a safer alternative. Debra underscores the importance of establishing robust regulatory frameworks and building trust in technology to mitigate the risks associated with data privacy and technological advancements.

We discuss the necessity of comprehensive data privacy laws to safeguard citizens, particularly young children, from online threats. Debra shares a harrowing example of a teenager who fatally overdosed on a drug purchased through a social media platform, underscoring the urgency of regulating technology to prevent such tragedies. We also emphasize the need for laws that respect innovation while prioritizing consumer protection, drawing from their experiences in the financial sector. Our conversation highlights the complex balance between fostering technological advancement and mitigating risks to protect consumers in an evolving digital landscape and Debra’s hope for Data 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, helps privacy and technology experts uniquely master their Data Request challenges, and makes it easier to comply with Global data protection requirements, FOIA requests, and various US state privacy regulations. Their technology is a game-changer for anyone needing to sift through complex data, find data,  and redact sensitive information. With clients across North America and Europe and a major partnership with Xerox, Smartbox.ai is bringing their data expertise right to our doorstep, offering insights into navigating the complex world of global data laws For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the show.

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