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
Jun 9, 2025 • 30min
How Companies Sidestep Protections to Spy on You
Discover how Meta and Yandex cleverly bypass Android's privacy protections while exploring the alarming sale of billions of stolen session cookies. Learn about Apple's extensive push notification data disclosures and what they mean for user privacy. Get insights into political updates impacting privacy laws globally, and find out if Signal is gearing up for paid subscription services. Plus, hear recommendations on how to protect yourself from invasive tracking with privacy-focused browsers and tools.
Jun 4, 2025 • 20min
Q&A: Is RethinkDNS Any Good?
The podcast dives into RethinkDNS, exploring its dual function as a VPN and traffic analysis tool. It discusses Australia’s MyGov system and the shift towards passwordless authentication for enhanced security. Threat modeling is unpacked, revealing biases and AI's role in improving assessments. Location tracking via cell towers is examined, highlighting privacy risks in varying political contexts. The need for user control over personal data is stressed, alongside the importance of ongoing dialogue about data usage and rights.
13 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 28min
Your Comments May Reveal More Than You Think...
Discover how YouTube tools analyze comments with AI, raising privacy concerns in the process. A major data breach at LexisNexis exposes sensitive information, while other breaches affect well-known companies like Adidas. The podcast also discusses the implications of a ransomware attack linked to nation-states. Learn about the troubling trend of CBP uploading migrant DNA and the sale of passenger data to ICE. Plus, hear about a new ruling on cookie consent and an eyebrow-raising tale involving crypto kidnappings and smart toothbrush surveillance!
May 27, 2025 • 47min
Google's Latest Attack on FOSS
Google's recent restrictions on Nextcloud raise concerns about control in the app ecosystem. Meanwhile, Mozilla shifts focus back to Firefox, signaling renewed commitment. In New Orleans, the dystopian landscape intensifies, adding urgency to discussions on user privacy. The podcast also dives into advancements in Bluetooth technology and critical vulnerabilities in Intel CPUs. Lastly, it highlights the importance of password management and the launch of the Mullvad VPN loader to enhance online security.
8 snips
May 14, 2025 • 12min
Q&A: Cardinal Rules of Privacy
Explore the cardinal rules of privacy and discover what irreversible harms to avoid. Learn user-friendly mobile traffic analysis techniques and the ins and outs of printer privacy. The hosts debate whether it's safer to open ports in a VPN versus a router. Uncover tools for monitoring Android traffic and gain insights on securely self-hosting services. Tune in for practical tips to enhance your online security and manage your digital footprint effectively.
12 snips
May 11, 2025 • 25min
Privacy Coins At Risk in Europe!
The EU is set to ban privacy coins and non-KYC wallets, posing a major threat to cryptocurrency users. Recent data breaches, notably affecting education giant Pearson, raise concerns about cybersecurity. The latest version of PeerTube is now available, showcasing exciting new features. Additionally, the podcast delves into WhatsApp's security vulnerabilities and discusses the broader implications of new privacy regulations in the crypto world, emphasizing the ongoing battle for individual freedoms in the digital age.
6 snips
May 7, 2025 • 15min
Q&A: Can Privacy Make You Easier to Track?
Can blocking trackers actually make you easier to track? The hosts dive into the trade-offs of aggressive blocking and unique blocklists. They explore the security advances in Wayland compared to X, discussing GUI isolation. CDN risks and trust issues are laid bare, revealing hidden challenges and limited user options. Plus, get insights into RF monitoring and how to detect nearby cell towers using the Tower Collector app. Tune in for practical privacy tips and community tools!
13 snips
May 5, 2025 • 40min
India is Trying to Block ProtonMail!
An Indian court's order to block ProtonMail raises serious concerns about online freedom and encryption. Meanwhile, Google Wallet is preparing to implement private age verification technology. Risks loom over millions of Apple AirPlay devices due to security flaws. On the bright side, a new private metasearch engine is emerging, devoid of AI summaries, while discussions around data breaches and the implications of age-gating laws highlight the ongoing tensions between privacy and regulation.
9 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 21min
Q&A: Do We Self-Host?
The hosts dive into the pros and cons of self-hosting, weighing VPS against local hardware. They discuss how cybercrime shapes public perceptions of privacy and the demand for privacy tools. The conversation shifts to whether PWAs are truly secure and how containerization compares to virtual machines in terms of security. They also explore alternatives to Adobe's OCR for text extraction, highlighting privacy-respecting options. Lastly, IPv6's privacy implications and its mixed benefits are examined.
9 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 18min
Chrome Refuses to Crumble Third-Party Cookies
Google's controversial decision to keep third-party cookies in Chrome stirs debate, raising concerns about ad control and browser privacy. Meanwhile, major data breaches affect institutions like Yale New Haven and Blue Shield of California. Microsoft introduces its Recall feature, but skepticism lingers over its opt-in changes. WhatsApp unveils new chat privacy settings, while Threema announces a desktop app. Dive into the latest in security and privacy with intriguing updates and perspectives!
