Investigative journalist Byron Tau discusses the hidden alliance of tech and government in the US surveillance state. The conversation delves into the adtech surveillance industry, real-time bidding, and the intricate world of data brokers. It also highlights the intertwining of government funding and data surveillance, revealing controversial data harvesting practices.
Ad tech surveillance evolved post-Snowden, extracting device data through ad exchanges.
Government funding influences surveillance tech expansion, blurring lines between private and state interests.
Deep dives
Evolution of Surveillance Post-Snowden
The podcast delves into the evolution of surveillance post-Snowden, where technology unintentionally facilitated government surveillance. It discusses how ad tech surveillance, Real-Time Bidding (RTB), and data collection shifted towards extracting data from devices through ad exchanges. The narrative highlights how these developments changed the surveillance landscape, drawing from the aftermath of the Snowden revelations.
Significance of Ad Tech Data
A prominent focus is on the real-time bidding system used by thousands of bidders to place ads and extract valuable data like geolocation and device details. The podcast explains how data from apps with ad space is collected, including IP addresses, language settings, and even battery levels. It sheds light on the extensive network of entities gathering data and the immense value of user information for various commercial and government purposes.
Government Involvement in Data Collection
The episode uncovers the intricate relationship between the US government and data collection entities. It reveals how government funding plays a role in the expansion of surveillance technologies, sometimes directly funding projects that lead to data brokering. The narrative unearths the significant influence of government contracts on data gathering, blurring the lines between private ventures and state agendas.
Private Data Surveillance and Protection Measures
Exploring the world of private data surveillance, the podcast illuminates how private investigators and individuals can access ad tech data for tracking purposes. It portrays a scenario where individuals can be tracked for a fee through data brokers and ad tech surveillance. Moreover, it offers essential tips for safeguarding digital privacy, including managing app permissions, VPN usage, and cautious app selection to mitigate data leakage risks.
New format alert! We are experimenting with publishing additional interview episodes! These will not replace the normal weekly show. Rather, we'll upload an interview with people we find interesting whenever we feel a good opportunity comes up. Subscribers as usual get early and ad-free access. This episode is with Byron Tau, an investigative journalist and author of the new book Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance of Tech and Government is Creating a New American Surveillance State. Joseph's and Byron's work on location data has bounced off each others' for years. Finally, the pair sit down and talk all about the adtech surveillance industry.