

Privacy Please
Cameron Ivey
Welcome to "Privacy Please," a podcast for anyone who wants to know more about data privacy and security. Join your hosts Cam and Gabe as they talk to experts, academics, authors, and activists to break down complex privacy topics in a way that's easy to understand.In today's connected world, our personal information is constantly being collected, analyzed, and sometimes exploited. We believe everyone has a right to understand how their data is being used and what they can do to protect their privacy.Please subscribe and help us reach more people!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2025 • 9min
S6, E242 - The Gun Industry Is Tracking More Than Just Your Purchases
Send us a textProPublica's investigation reveals the National Shooting Sports Foundation has been secretly sharing gun buyers' personal information, including underwear sizes, for political purposes. This privacy breach raises serious concerns about data exploitation even in industries that publicly position themselves as defenders of individual rights.• Gun owners group demands federal investigation into firearms industry data sharing• Personal data shared included underwear sizes and was allegedly used for political targeting• NSSF collaborated with Cambridge Analytica to enhance voter data• Privacy concerns should transcend political divides - "Privacy is an everybody problem"• The gun industry publicly defends rights while quietly engaging in data exploitation• Senator Richard Blumenthal supports investigation into these practicesIf you're a privacy professional or legal expert with insights on this issue, we'd love to have you on the show to discuss this further and answer some of the questions we've raised today. Support the show

May 6, 2025 • 4min
S6, E241 - Privacy Please News: Your data isn't just for sale—it's the main attraction.
Send us a textPrivacy Please News, for hitting big topics quickly with a hint of sarcasm to bring some joy and knowledge. This week, we hit on the latest privacy events in tech with a satirical perspective on how your data is being shared, sold, and exploited. From Google's dramatic stance on sharing search data to state-sponsored hackers dominating zero-day exploits, this episode highlights the absurdity of our current digital privacy landscape.• Google CEO Sundar Pichai compares sharing search data to "ripping out the company's brain"• WhatsApp's new AI feature sends "private" messages to cloud servers despite Meta's safety claims• Gun rights group outraged after gun industry shared customer data, including underwear sizes, for political campaigns• OpenAI's Sam Altman promotes eyeball scanning for WorldC, dismissing privacy concerns as regulatory lag• State-sponsored hackers from China and North Korea are leading the zero-day vulnerability exploitation game Support the show

Apr 30, 2025 • 14min
S6, E240 - From IAPP Insights to Security Challenges: What Really Matters
Send us a textCameron and Gabe return after a brief hiatus to explore major developments in security, privacy, and resilience. They dive into insights from the IAPP conference and VeeamOn, examining how AI governance and outdated privacy tools are reshaping the industry landscape.• AI governance frameworks dominated IAPP discussions with companies "building the plane as they're flying"• Verizon's Data Breach Report debunks overblown AI security fears, showing real risks are data leakage and poor access controls• Growing frustration with outdated privacy management tools is driving demand for better solutions• Security posture isn't about using recognized brands but about architecture without dangerous gaps• Sam Altman's virtual appearance at IAPP disappointed attendees expecting an in-person keynoteStay tuned for our bonus episode covering even more developments from this busy week in privacy and security! Support the show

Apr 7, 2025 • 21min
S6, E239 - Russian Hackers, Leaked Military Secrets, and Your DNA
Send us a textPrivacy threats continue to escalate as human error undermines even the most secure systems, from military officials accidentally exposing classified information to Russian hackers targeting encrypted messaging apps.• Signal security breach occurred when defense officials accidentally added a reporter to their encrypted group chat discussing sensitive military operations• Russian-linked attackers targeting Signal users through QR code vulnerabilities, tricking users into linking their secure accounts to attacker-controlled instances• QR codes present broader security concerns as users can't verify where they lead before scanning them• Attackers can place malicious QR codes over legitimate ones in public spaces like restaurants and airports• 23andMe's bankruptcy raises critical questions about the fate of genetic data from 15 million users• When companies holding sensitive personal information go bankrupt, data ownership and protection becomes uncertain• Human error remains the primary vulnerability in most privacy and security systems• Always consider the long-term implications when sharing personal information with any serviceRemember to think beyond the present when sharing your data – consider what might happen to that information in 10, 20, or even 30 years from now. Support the show

Mar 28, 2025 • 10min
S6, E238 - 23andMe, Honda, and Signal: Three Privacy Alerts You Need to Know
Send us a textPrivacy threats are intensifying across multiple fronts, from genetic data vulnerabilities at 23andMe to corporate violations and messaging app security concerns. Cameron Ivey breaks down three urgent privacy issues and provides practical guidance on protecting your digital footprint in an increasingly vulnerable online landscape.• 23andMe users should consider deleting their genetic data immediately due to bankruptcy proceedings that could compromise privacy protections• Law professor Craig Conneth warns that terms of service could change during bankruptcy, with inadequate federal regulations to protect consumers• Honda fined $632,500 by California Privacy Protection Agency for creating unnecessarily complicated opt-out processes• Companies must reform data request procedures and stop creating "mazes of chaos" that trick consumers• Signal messaging app, despite its encryption features, has raised NSA security concerns after being used by senior US officials• No messaging platform is completely secure for highly sensitive information• Stay informed about your rights under privacy legislation like the CCPA• Be mindful about what personal information you share digitally, even on supposedly secure platformsIf you have expertise in these privacy issues and would like to join a deeper discussion on the show, contact Cameron for a potential guest appearance. Support the show

Mar 12, 2025 • 12min
S6, E237 - Navigating Chaos, Uncertainty & Doubt in 2025
Amid global turmoil, chaos presents both challenges and opportunities in privacy and security. Cybersecurity professionals face increasing threats, like ransomware attacks, amid job cuts. There's a rising need for proactive measures as legal changes affect data breach reporting. AI's impact on jobs looms large, disrupting traditional roles. Meanwhile, recent lawsuits highlight critical data privacy concerns. The discussion emphasizes taking immediate action to secure data and adapt to the evolving landscape.

Feb 28, 2025 • 24min
S6, E236 - Is Technology Turning Against Us? Exploring Robot Behavior and Cyber Threats
Send us a textToday's episode dives into the intersection of AI behavior and digital security concerns. We discuss a startling incident involving a malfunctioning AI robot and explore a new ransomware threat known as Ghost. • Overview of an AI robot incident that raised ethical concerns • Examination of Asimov's Laws of Robotics and their relevance • Introduction to Ghost ransomware and its impact on multiple industries • Discussion on backup security strategies and resilience against ransomware • Insights into the evolving tactics of ransomware attacks, including Ghost's methods • Encouragement for businesses to prioritize future-proofing their data security We encourage listeners to reach out with questions or further discussion on data backups and data security measures. Support the show

Feb 20, 2025 • 15min
S6, E235 - Exploring Microsoft's Majorana Quantum Chip and the Future of Cybersecurity
Send us a textThe emergence of quantum computing presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for data security and privacy. As Microsoft reveals its new quantum chip, the industry must prepare for the significant threats that stable quantum computing poses to existing encryption methods. • Microsoft announces a new quantum processing chip • Potential risks to encryption and data security • Industry skepticism toward claims of rapid advancements • Understanding the mechanics of quantum computing • Implications of quantum technology for various sectors • The need for proactive planning and strategy for security professionals Support the show

Feb 14, 2025 • 20min
S6, E234 - Doge Data Dilemma: Unpacking Federal Privacy Lawsuits
Send us a textThe episode delves into the ongoing lawsuits challenging the sharing of personal data by federal agencies with Doge, the Department of Government Efficiency. The hosts discuss the implications of these lawsuits, particularly regarding the lack of clarity surrounding Doge's operations and the dismantling of the CFPB, raising concerns about privacy and data protection.• Overview of Doge data lawsuits and their significance • Concerns about data sharing by federal agencies • The troubling lack of transparency surrounding Doge • The impact of CFPB restructuring on privacy oversight • Risks of diminished regulatory powers over personal data • Importance of citizen engagement in privacy advocacy • Calls for transparency and accountability in data handling • The evolving narrative of privacy in the digital age • Encouragement for listeners to stay informed and proactive Support the show

Feb 7, 2025 • 17min
S6, E233 - DeepSeek, AI Innovation, Privacy Concerns, and Cybersecurity Revelations
Send us a textThe episode examines the implications of a recent hacking incident involving the Chinese AI company DeepSeek, which claims to outperform competitors on cost and performance. We discuss the risks associated with AI tools, the necessity for better governance, and the broader impacts of AI on cybersecurity and data privacy. • DeepSeek's emergence as a significant player in AI• Performance claims that challenge established tech firms• Consequences of the recent hack on industry perceptions• The dangers of unregulated AI usage in corporations• Governance challenges surrounding AI adoption• Personal experiences using AI-driven coding tools• Future predictions on AI's role in security and privacy Support the show


