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In episode 250 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Marianne Mazaud, Co-Founder of AI ON US, an International Executive Summit Focused on Responsible Artificial Intelligence, co-created with Thomas Lozopone. They explore the powerful relationship between AI, privacy, and trust, emphasizing how leaders can take actionable steps to create inclusive and ethically grounded AI systems.

Marianne shares insights from her extensive experience in creative performance marketing and brand protection, including how generative AI technologies have created both opportunities and new risks. She stresses the importance of privacy and inclusion in AI governance, especially in high-risk sectors like healthcare and education.

The conversation moves to public trust in AI. Marianne references a study revealing widespread distrust in AI systems due to cybersecurity concerns, algorithmic bias, and lack of transparency. She highlights the need to involve more diverse voices, including individuals with disabilities and children, in the development of emerging technologies. Marianne and Debbie also examine the role of data privacy in consumer trust, citing a PricewaterhouseCoopers report showing that 83% of consumers believe data protection is essential to building trust with businesses.

They compare AI regulatory landscapes across the European Union and the United States. Marianne outlines how the EU AI Act places joint responsibility on AI developers and providers, which can introduce compliance complexities, especially for small businesses. She explains how these regulations can be difficult to implement retroactively and may impact innovation when not considered early in the development process.

Marianne closes by introducing the AI On Us initiative and the International Summit on Responsible AI for Executives. These efforts are designed to support leaders navigating AI governance through immersive workshops, best practices, and applied exercises. She also describes the Arborist Charter, a commitment to gender equality and inclusion in AI that has been adopted by 150 companies globally.

They discuss the erosion of public trust in AI and the contributing role of biased algorithms, black-box decision-making, and regulatory fragmentation across regions. Marianne describes the uneven distribution of protections for vulnerable populations, such as children and persons with disabilities, and the failure of many AI systems to account for culturally or biologically diverse user bases. She emphasizes that privacy harms are not only about data collection but also about downstream effects and misuse, especially in sectors like healthcare, hiring, and public policy.

Debbie and Marianne contrast the emerging regulatory models in the United States and the European Union, noting that the U.S. often lacks forward-looking obligations for AI developers, whereas the EU imposes preemptive risk requirements. Despite these differences, both agree that building AI systems that are trustworthy, explainable, and fair must become a global imperative. 

Marianne closes by describing how AI on Us was founded to help global executives take practical, values-driven steps toward responsible AI. Through events, tools, and shared ethical commitments, the initiative encourages leaders to treat AI responsibility as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance obligation.

#AIandPrivacy #ResponsibleAI #Governance #SyntheticContent #TrustworthyAI #InclusiveTech #AlgorithmicAccountability #PrivacyHarms #E

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In episode 249 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Marlyse McQuillen, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance, Privacy, and AI at IntegraConnect LLC. Their conversation offers a multidimensional exploration of privacy, from professional ethics and emerging legal conflicts to education policy and AI governance.

Marlyse shares her journey into privacy law, which began during her work as a corporate attorney and expanded through roles in sectors such as health care, finance, and security. She reflects on her professional evolution and her aspirations to bring her cross-industry expertise to companies, especially as organizations increasingly confront regulatory pressure in the areas of consumer data and artificial intelligence.

The conversation dives into privacy issues in healthcare, where Marlyse emphasizes the risks of digital health data in a landscape that continues to shift toward value-based care. She highlights how HIPAA and HIPAA adjacent laws or obligations create complexities in addressing data outside of traditional clinical systems. This becomes especially urgent when companies face financial instability. Marlyse details the example of 23AndMe, a major bankruptcy involving genetic data, in which states raised objections to the sale of consumer health information, and the court ultimately appointed a consumer privacy ombudsman. She and Debbie underscore the long-term damage to trust when sensitive personal data is treated as a transferable asset during bankruptcy proceedings.

The discussion also touches on public digital exposure through the lens of the “Coldplaygate” incident, where a viral Kiss Cam moment led to the resignation of a company CEO. Marlyse and Debbie reflect on how these seemingly lighthearted digital moments can carry real consequences, especially in an era of high surveillance and online amplification. They emphasize the importance of discretion and privacy boundaries, even in public settings.

Marlyse brings a strong policy perspective, advocating for legislative updates to genetic privacy laws and more comprehensive protection for children in schools. She is actively working with the Plunk Foundation to build a digital literacy curriculum that educates young people on safe AI use and privacy rights. She envisions federal mandates for consumer data protection education as a way to create foundational awareness early in life.

The episode closes with personal reflections on the rewarding yet difficult work of privacy leadership, the importance of soft skills development, and Marlyse’s creative approach to privacy education, including a song she wrote to raise awareness about data rights. Throughout, she champions practical reforms, better breach responses, and a cultural shift toward accountability in both public and private uses of technology.

#DigitalHealthPrivacy #GeneticData #AIinEducation #ConsumerTrust #Coldplaygate #PrivacyEducation #PlunkFoundation #PrivacyBankruptcy #PrivacyLeadership #DigitalLiteracy #DataRights

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In episode 248 of “The Data Diva” Talks Privacy Podcast, Debbie Reynolds talks to  Damilola Adenuga-Taiwo, a cybersecurity and compliance professional with extensive expertise in payment systems, PCI DSS, ISO standards, and governance frameworks. We discuss his unconventional path into the field, beginning with teaching postgraduate technology courses and evolving into global consulting roles focused on cybersecurity risk, assessments, and compliance. Damilola explains the critical role of standards like PCI DSS in securing cardholder data, how global payment brands shaped their adoption, and why such frameworks succeed even without legal mandates.

We explore the nuanced differences between privacy and cybersecurity, the challenges of implementing compliance in high-friction environments such as digital payments, and how financial institutions have effectively balanced innovation with data protection. Damilola also explores the convergence of security and privacy, illustrating how standards require organizations to consider not only what data is collected, but also why, for how long, and under what conditions it must be deleted.

A major theme of the episode is the growing concern over AI misuse, ranging from deepfakes and fraud to the psychological implications of relying on generative AI daily. Damilola reflects on how tools like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming work habits, raising ethical questions about digital dependency, and blurring the line between convenience and risk. We also discuss the widening regulatory gap, the need for proactive standards, and how cybersecurity professionals can bridge the chasm between policy, practice, and public trust.

This episode offers practical and philosophical insights for anyone grappling with the accelerating pace of AI, the rigor of compliance, and the evolving definitions of data responsibility. We hope for a future where robust compliance frameworks, informed users, and ethical innovation collaborate to ensure digital safety and personal autonomy.

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In episode 247 of “The Data Diva” Talks Privacy Podcast, Debbie Reynolds talks to  Michael Robbins, Social Entrepreneur and Civic Builder, and a visionary in building human-plus-digital learning ecosystems. We discuss his decades-long journey at the intersection of education, technology, and community, from grassroots innovation to White House policy. Michael shares a compelling vision for the future of AI in education, centered on empowering individuals to create and control their own AI narratives. He introduces his data model, called DOTES (Do, Observe, Tell, Explore, Show), which captures real-world learning experiences and enables the training of personalized AI agents grounded in data integrity and digital personhood.

Our conversation explores the concept of implication models, AI systems that learn from and work for people, rather than exploiting their data. Michael draws parallels between decentralized data governance and the design of AI trusts, where individuals have full control over their digital identities and contributions. We also explore the limitations of current large language models and discuss new frameworks that could rebuild AI from the ground up, centering privacy, consent, and community.

Together, we envision a future where youth and adults alike use AI not as a replacement for human intelligence but as a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and democratic participation. This episode is a masterclass in AI ethics, digital sovereignty, and the urgent need to shift from extractive technologies to human-first ecosystems. We hope for a future where data privacy is not just a legal checkbox, but a fundamental principle of technological design and societal infrastructure.

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In episode 246 of “The Data Diva” Talks Privacy Podcast, Debbie Reynolds talks to Aparna Bhushan, a co-host of the Rethinking Tech podcast and a seasoned data protection and governance attorney licensed in both the U.S. and Canada. Together, they explore the critical intersection of geopolitics, tech policy, and data ethics. Aparna shares her professional journey from startups to global corporations and international organizations, such as UNICEF, where her passion for ethical and practical data governance took root. The conversation explores the fast-paced and often contradictory dynamics facing governments, companies, and users in the digital age, highlighting how the collapse of traditional rules has left many institutions scrambling for direction.

Debbie and Aparna discuss how companies are navigating conflicting global regulations, the growing risks of consumer backlash, and the real-world consequences of poor data decisions, such as the fallout from GM’s data broker scandal and the potential sale of sensitive genetic data in the 23andMe bankruptcy. They also address the dangers of regulation lag, scope creep, and public distrust in platforms that mishandle personal data. Aparna shares her perspective on the emerging global impact of the EU AI Act and the regulatory vacuum in the U.S., arguing that proactive privacy strategies and consumer trust are more valuable than merely checking compliance boxes.

The two dive deep into the complexities of age verification laws, questioning the practicality and privacy implications of requiring IDs or weakening encryption to protect children online. They emphasize the need for innovation that respects user rights and propose creative approaches to solving systemic data challenges, including Aparna’s vision for AI systems that can audit other AI models for fairness and bias.

To close the episode, Aparna shares her global privacy wish list: a more conscious, intentional user culture and a renewed investment in responsible technology development. This thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the ethical evolution of data governance in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

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In episode 245, of “The Data Diva” Talks Privacy Podcast, Debbie Reynolds talks to  Onur Korucu, a Non-Executive Director, Managing Partner, Advisory Board Member, IAPP, who brings a rare combination of legal and engineering expertise to the fields of privacy, governance, and artificial intelligence. We discuss how Onur’s early fascination with cybersecurity shaped her dual career as both a technology expert and a data protection strategist. She shares insights from her work advising companies across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond on the safe and ethical deployment of AI systems. Onur emphasizes that privacy must be embedded into the foundation of AI models, not just layered on later, and that risk management must include human-centered perspectives from design through deployment.

We explore the practical challenges of global compliance, how organizations struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of AI development, and the ethical dilemmas posed by technologies such as deepfakes and surveillance systems. Onur shares her vision for holistic governance frameworks that empower privacy professionals, policymakers, and engineers to work collaboratively. She also discusses the role of education, mentorship, and community support in building resilience within the data protection profession. This episode offers a global perspective on the convergence of AI and privacy, expressing hope for an ethical digital future where transparency, accountability, and human oversight are not optional but essential, and this is also reflected in Data Privacy in the future.

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In episode 244, Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Aleksandr Tiulkanov, a digital ethics researcher, legal expert, and technology policy advisor working at the intersection of computer science, human rights, and international law. Aleksandr brings a rare blend of technical depth and policy insight to global conversations about the governance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. We discuss his career path from data protection and human rights advocacy to working with global institutions such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe, where he has contributed to international standards on data governance and AI ethics.

Aleksandr offers a compelling critique of current AI systems, particularly large language models, which he views as limited in their ability to capture true human intelligence and emotion. He explains why ethical design cannot be an afterthought in AI development, and how the lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making threatens not only individual privacy but democratic structures worldwide. We talk about the deep structural issues that exist in both legal and technical approaches to AI and data protection, including the challenges of harmonizing cross-border laws, the power imbalance between tech companies and users, and the geopolitical dimensions of digital sovereignty.

We also explore Aleksandr’s thoughts on the role of civil society and how community-driven oversight and decentralized governance might offer more sustainable alternatives to corporate-led AI development. He advocates for a deeper integration of ethical reasoning into computer science education, highlighting the need for stronger global frameworks that prioritize fairness, accountability, and the right to opt out of data-hungry systems.

This episode is a thoughtful and wide-ranging exploration of digital ethics, global privacy regulation, and the future of responsible technology. It issues an urgent call for collaboration among lawyers, technologists, regulators, and citizens to develop systems that truly serve humanity. We share hope for a future where the rule of law, not just code, guides the evolution of AI, and where human dignity remains at the center of innovation.

Thanks to our Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast Privacy Ambassador Sponsor, Piwik PRO. Piwik PRO is a privacy-first analytics and customer data platform that helps organizations to make informed decisions across their websites, apps, and ad campaigns. They bring an unprecedented level of data transparency, so you know exactly how your data is collected, used, and protected. It is very cool. Marketers gain valuable insights, while legal teams rest assured knowing that your client data remains protected, even as the privacy landscape evolves.  Learn more at piwik.pro. Enjoy the show.

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In episode 243 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Yogita Parulekar, CEO and Founder of Invigrid. Yogita brings over two decades of cybersecurity leadership to the conversation, beginning her journey in the industry long before it was a mainstream priority. With deep expertise in governance, infrastructure, and crisis response, Yogita discusses how the landscape of cyber threats has evolved dramatically, moving from relatively isolated risks to complex, interconnected threats fueled by AI, deepfakes, disinformation, and geopolitical uncertainty. She and Debbie explore the urgent need for companies to embed cybersecurity into the DNA of their business strategy, rather than treat it as an isolated IT function. Yogita emphasizes that today's cyber risk is not just technical—it is existential, affecting national security, business continuity, and societal trust. She shares insights on the growing importance of board-level engagement, cyber education, and scenario planning. Yogita also highlights how cyber and privacy are often misunderstood, offering a helpful analogy to distinguish their roles: privacy is about people, while security is about infrastructure. The discussion reinforces that to succeed in today’s environment, organizations must integrate privacy, cybersecurity, and governance from the start.

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In episode 242 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Karina Klever, CEO and CISO at Klever Compliance. Karina shares her extensive career journey through IT operations, project management, and compliance leadership to demystify what effective governance really means. She challenges the outdated practice of blindly following frameworks and checklists that do not reflect a company’s actual business model or operational maturity. Karina introduces her pragmatic “Now, Next, Near, Never” methodology—a practical framework for prioritizing GRC (governance, risk, compliance) efforts based on relevance, applicability, and timing. She and Debbie unpack why so many organizations suffer from “compliance theater,” implementing policies they do not actually follow or understand. Karina explains the risks of orphaned controls, vague role descriptions, and overreliance on vendor templates that are misaligned with internal realities. She also stresses the importance of documentation, clarity in control language, and having a feedback loop for maturing compliance over time. This episode is a must-listen for organizations looking to move beyond checkbox audits and build scalable, operationally aligned governance structures that support real risk mitigation and long-term accountability.

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In episode 241 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Phillip Mason, Global Privacy Program Manager at Corning, Inc. Phillip joins Debbie to discuss the complicated interplay between AI advancement, regulatory frameworks, and the ethical imperative of human judgment. Drawing from his diverse background in accounting, law, and privacy, Phillip offers an informed and multidimensional perspective on how businesses navigate emerging risks. He critiques overbroad AI legislation like the EU AI Act, which he believes may have unintended consequences for innovation, particularly among smaller firms lacking legal and compliance resources. Debbie and Phillip dive into examples of poorly executed AI rollouts that sparked public backlash, such as LinkedIn’s data harvesting practices and Microsoft’s Recall feature, emphasizing the importance of transparency and foresight. Phillip also unpacks the difference between having a “human in the loop” and placing real ethical judgment into practice. They discuss how organizations can build a culture of trust and accountability where data science and compliance work harmoniously. The conversation ultimately underscores that as algorithms get smarter, human oversight must also evolve, with thoughtful governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and values-driven leadership.

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