

Surveillance Report
Techlore & The New Oil
Weekly privacy and security news podcast - Presented by Techlore & The New Oil. The goal of Surveillance Report is keep the world updated on the latest privacy & security news to empower individuals to remain safe with the newest information. Join us for the ride! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

31 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 17min
Proton Mail Account Suspensions Explained
In this engaging discussion, the hosts unpack allegations surrounding ProtonMail's suspension of journalist accounts, sparking a debate on journalism versus hacktivism. They delve into Plex's recent data breach and several corporate security incidents, alongside the implications of large-scale data exposures. Other highlights include Apple's memory safety advancements and Google's focus on risk-based security updates. The conversation also addresses location data sales, new state laws on age verification, and the ethics of surveillance technology.

13 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 33min
Q&A: The Risks of Cloud-Based Password Managers
Dive into the risks of cloud-based password managers and discover why zero-knowledge vaults could be your safest bet. Explore the nuances between iPhones and Pixels for work phones, and learn how to live without a SIM card. The discussion also covers cleaning up old accounts, reliable crypto resources, and why using Synology might be better than Nextcloud. Finally, get router recommendations for enhanced privacy and tips on adopting private RSS feeds with alternative payment options.

24 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 34min
ChatGPT is Calling the Police on Users
Discover the shocking implications of ChatGPT potentially reporting user messages to the authorities. Dive into the rollout of encrypted messaging on X and its impact on privacy. Explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI data monitoring and the recent data breaches affecting various companies. Uncover the rising threat of malware in the Android ecosystem and the ethical concerns tied to government contracts with spyware firms. Finally, stay informed about the latest updates on privacy measures from Proton and Mozilla.

30 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 28min
Android Is Becoming the New iOS
Discover how Google is tightening its grip on Android with new sideloading rules and default cloud saving for documents. The conversation dives into the challenges of balancing security with the open-source nature of Android, alongside recent data breaches and the impact of stricter regulations on tech platforms. The podcast also unpacks the latest in cybersecurity, including a notorious hacking group targeting U.S. communications, and critiques Mississippi's moves on data privacy while promoting a service to help erase personal information online.

33 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 35min
Q&A: Is Kagi Safe?
Discover the insights on Kagi and the Orion browser, highlighting their user privacy benefits and the challenges related to data management. Dive into the legal complexities surrounding data breaches and the alarming rise of zero-click malware targeting vulnerable individuals. The discussion also covers the intricacies of federated video hosting platforms and the contrasting security dynamics of messaging apps like Signal versus Google's offerings. Engage with intriguing claims around Monero's hash rate control, emphasizing the need for community resilience in cryptocurrency.

20 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 30min
Are Your Passwords Safe From This New Exploit?
A new vulnerability threatens nearly all major password managers, raising alarm about user security. Recent data breaches are discussed, revealing the impact on organizations and questioning the effectiveness of employee training against phishing attacks. Meanwhile, the podcast delves into privacy challenges, including FCC fines against telecom giants for data sharing. Lastly, it showcases exciting tech innovations, like Firefox's updates and a new zero-knowledge photo management app that prioritizes user consent and privacy.

12 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 31min
Microsoft's Control Over Open Source Grows
Microsoft's increasing control over GitHub takes center stage, especially after the CEO's resignation. The podcast dives into significant cybersecurity breaches and the challenges of AI surveillance, highlighting troubling trends in data privacy. Legislation affecting chat control threatens innovation, while there's excitement around Debian 13 and developments in the open-source community. Listeners also learn about urgent software updates from Plex and practical solutions for managing personal information online.

51 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 41min
Q&A: Ways to Make Your Phone Private
This discussion tackles phone privacy, including tips on managing PINs and the benefits of private eSIMs. It delves into the intricacies of privacy policies, emphasizing caution in digital service recommendations. The podcast explores email aliasing for enhanced privacy and debates the nature of privacy as a personal asset versus a human right. It also compares authenticator apps like Aegis and Proton, focusing on their security features. Lastly, it offers practical strategies for improving privacy in a digital world.

9 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 37min
Apple Has 4 Months, Google Has Just 14 Days...
Google and Apple face tight deadlines as they adjust to new privacy demands. Recent data breaches have exposed vulnerabilities in major corporations. The conversation dives into the implications of changes in Google's App Store following legal challenges, raising concerns about user security. Encryption weaknesses in law enforcement tech provoke worries about surveillance. Exciting advancements in open-source software, including a new privacy-focused photo management app, highlight the constant evolution of user privacy in the digital age.

Aug 7, 2025 • 18min
Q&A: Privacy Advice for Your Next Phone Upgrade
Dive into the debate between iPhones and Android devices, weighing their privacy features and customization options. Discover the benefits of alternatives like Graphene and CalixOS for enhanced security. Learn how to boost smartphone privacy with custom ROMs and alternative app stores. Plus, uncover savvy strategies for managing emails through aliases and custom domains to protect your identity. Whether upgrading or tweaking your device, this discussion is packed with insider tips to help you stay safe and private.