Techlore Surveillance Report
Techlore
Techlore Surveillance Report is your weekly deep-dive into the privacy and security news that matters for your digital freedom. Hosted by Henry Fisher, founder of Techlore and long-time digital rights educator, each episode cuts through the noise to bring you carefully selected stories with the context, analysis, and historical perspective you need to truly understand what's happening to protect yourself (and others!) in the digital space.Topics covered include:• Privacy tool updates and vulnerabilities• Data breaches and cybersecurity incidents• Surveillance technology and government overreach• Big Tech privacy policies and practices• Encryption and security standards• Digital rights legislation and court cases• Open-source software developments• Corporate data practices and accountabilityWhether you're a beginner trying to stay informed or a seasoned expert tracking the ecosystem, Surveillance Report has been delivering weekly privacy and security news for years, and now continues as part of Techlore's mission to educate the world about privacy, security, and digital rights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 36min
Your Age Is Now Required: Australia's Social Media Ban Explained
This week dives into Australia's controversial social media ban requiring age verification, highlighting its privacy risks. The discussion shifts to India's invasive phone surveillance proposals that demand constant tracking. A serious React server vulnerability affecting numerous companies is explored, along with the EU's troubling changes to GDPR protections. Furthermore, Petco's ongoing data breaches and legal issues surrounding phone wiping at borders raise crucial concerns about data privacy and protection.
10 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 42min
How India's Unremovable App Mandate Failed Within Days
India's controversial order to install an undeletable privacy-invasive app raises eyebrows. The discussion delves into potential risks and the effectiveness of voluntary opt-in policies. Meanwhile, the EU faces scrutiny over Chat Control updates, highlighting the dangers of age verification and its impact on privacy. Microsoft is adjusting AI sales expectations, revealing a gap between hype and reality. The podcast also covers an eye-catching device making bold encryption claims while exposing serious privacy concerns.
21 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 36min
Microsoft's Rare Confession: Windows AI Could Leak Your Data
Microsoft faces backlash over its AI features, leading to concerns about security and data leaks. The podcast discusses malware stealing messages from encrypted apps like Signal and WhatsApp. EU regulations are scrutinized, particularly around Chat Control and its implications for privacy. Brave and Mozilla push for privacy-first AI solutions, while practical tips for avoiding mobile spyware emphasize the importance of app security. Recent data breaches highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in major organizations.
12 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 36min
WhatsApp Leaked 3.5 BILLION Numbers
This week dives into a massive WhatsApp flaw that exposed 3.5 billion numbers, raising serious privacy concerns. There's also a discussion about Google's new restrictions on sideloading, impacting Android freedom. The Digital Omnibus proposal from the EU could weaken GDPR protections significantly. Alarmingly, attempts are underway in Wisconsin and Michigan to ban VPNs based on dubious age verification claims. Plus, a recap of major data breaches and service updates keeps tech enthusiasts informed.
10 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 4min
Nate Steps Down + What Happens to Surveillance Report
Exciting changes are ahead as Nathan steps down, but fear not—everything else stays the same! The show continues its mission to deliver weekly privacy and security news under the Techlore umbrella. Nathan expresses gratitude for his time on the show, while Henry highlights his invaluable contributions. Listeners will still enjoy the same great content without any hassle—no need to change subscriptions. Plus, the podcast promises fair transitions for supporters. Stay tuned for updates as they share links to follow Nathan’s future endeavors!
16 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 34min
AI Browsers Are Already Risky
The hosts dive into the risks of AI browsers, highlighting the dangers of prompt injection attacks that can expose sensitive data. They also discuss the end of Windows 10 support and its implications. Recent major data breaches are reviewed, including those affecting airlines and retailers. Ring's partnership with Flock is explained, revealing how footage can now be shared with agencies. Other topics include TikTok's data sharing policies and the troubling expansion of facial recognition at US borders.
12 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 34min
Q&A: Why Don't People Care About Privacy?
Exploring why privacy seems overlooked, the hosts reveal that people are concerned but often find privacy measures inconvenient. They discuss Proton's acceptance of Monero and suggest privacy-friendly alternatives like PeerTube. Engagement in the privacy community is encouraged through local groups and volunteering. The conversation touches on the importance of ethical actions in privacy breaches and the need for clear privacy certifications. Tips for maintaining anonymity in a digital age and a data removal service are also highlighted, offering listeners actionable insights.
28 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 42min
The UK's Apple Backdoor Fight: Round 2!
The UK demands Apple implement a backdoor into their encryption, raising concerns about data security. Microsoft tightens Windows 11 account requirements, making it harder to bypass mandatory accounts. Amazon introduces facial recognition in Ring cameras, igniting privacy debates. Major data breaches are highlighted, including incidents at WestJet and Harrods. In tech developments, Meta adjusts ad targeting policies, while Discord faces a support ticket hack. The notion of 'shitification' of platforms post-dominance is also explored.
19 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 35min
Windows 10's Extra Year of Updates Has a Catch...
Microsoft extends free security updates for Windows 10, but users must meet specific criteria. LinkedIn plans to use user data for AI training, with an option to opt out. OnePlus phones are found vulnerable to SMS data leaks, while significant data breaches affecting Boyd Gaming and Stellantis reveal the ongoing risks of cyberattacks. Additionally, leaked documents show efforts to globalize Chinese censorship tech, and TikTok faces scrutiny over data practices for minors.
37 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.
