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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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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, shifting 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 of 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, emphasizing 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.

 Note: Citing Liza Dixon for creating the term "autonowashing"

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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.

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. For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the show

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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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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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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.

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. For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the show

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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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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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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.

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. For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the show

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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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