Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” talks to Robert Bateman, Owner of KnowData Ltd in the United Kingdom, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving complexities of data privacy regulations worldwide. Robert begins by sharing his privacy journey, starting during his law studies when he began analyzing the GDPR and CCPA. His experience writing extensively about these topics laid the foundation for his role as a leading voice in the privacy community.The conversation highlights the unique challenges of the U.S. privacy landscape, where fragmented state laws and federal legislative debates create an unpredictable regulatory environment. Robert and Debbie also tackle the intricacies of international data transfers, particularly the tension between the EU and the U.S., as seen in the Uber fine controversy. They explore the confusing regulatory landscape caused by conflicting interpretations of data transfer mechanisms and the far-reaching implications for businesses.Additionally, the discussion goes into the influence of global standards organizations such as IEEE, ISO, and NIST on shaping privacy and safety frameworks. Robert and Debbie discuss how emerging technologies like AI further complicate privacy matters and stress the importance of responsible AI decision-making, emphasizing the need to retain human oversight in critical processes.Looking toward the future, Robert advocates for formally recognizing privacy as a fundamental human right globally. He highlights the progress as businesses increasingly take privacy compliance seriously, even amidst the challenges. Debbie adds her insights on the evolving regulatory landscape, predicting heightened activity and complexity in privacy law as new technologies and regulations emerge. Robert shares his hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks Thomas Morrow, Ex NASA, Attorney, Technology Expert.  Debbie and Thomas discuss the critical intersection of data privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies. Thomas shares his fascinating journey from working on aerospace innovations at Boeing to contributing to NASA’s International Space Station program, where he navigated secure communications and data privacy challenges. This experience laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of how technological advancements and privacy protections must coexist.Thomas explains how NASA’s approach to astronaut data—disclosing what data is collected, how it is used, and potential risks—provides a model for how data privacy could work in a consumer context. He and Debbie explore how transparency, ethics, and consent can build trust in a data-driven world. The conversation touches on the double-edged nature of technology, particularly AI, which has the power to drive significant innovation, such as better weather prediction and disaster preparedness, but also poses risks like deepfakes, misuse of personal data, and privacy erosion.The discussion highlights pressing issues such as the need for global standards in data protection, AI ethics, and authentication processes to verify the authenticity of communications. Thomas emphasizes balancing innovation with accountability, stressing that regulation is essential to ensure technology serves society positively rather than being exploited for unethical gains. He and Debbie also share their thoughts on building digital trust through novel personal authentication systems, drawing parallels to encryption and hashing methods to secure identity and communications in an increasingly digital world.Thomas advocates for a collaborative, international approach to regulation and ethical AI development. He underscores the need to think long-term, projecting into the future to address challenges before they become unmanageable. Forward-looking conferences like Ecosystem 2030 champion this mindset, and Thomas shares his hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Flo Nicolas, J.D., Chief Impact and Community Engagement Officer, ARMI - ReGen Valley Tech Hub. We discuss shared insights about her career transition from law to technology. Flo discusses her challenges in navigating government contracts and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her professional growth. The conversation touches on the mental health impacts of corporate life and the necessity of taking risks and learning from failures, highlighting the value of community engagement and personal branding in fostering professional development.The discussion also addresses pressing data privacy issues and the implications of emerging technologies, particularly for children. Flo expressed her concerns about the dangers of deepfake technology, sharing a cautionary tale that underscored the need for early education on online safety. We acknowledge the alarming trend of diminishing privacy rights in the face of advancing technology, with Flo noting that many individuals are desensitized to privacy notifications. We agreed on the importance of simplifying privacy information to empower users, especially diverse groups like students and small businesses, to better navigate complex privacy settings.Additionally, we examine the dual nature of artificial intelligence, recognizing its benefits while addressing significant risks such as algorithmic bias and the need for human oversight in AI decision-making. We raise concerns about the effectiveness of current regulations and the necessity for companies to comply with ethical guidelines. The conversation concluded with Flo advocating for increased investment in critical technologies, emphasizing the importance of oversight to mitigate risks like data breaches. She also mentioned her new role, which involves developing a data analytics dashboard, highlighting the need for a supportive team to assist in this endeavor and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" talks to Jim Amos, a Human-First Technologist. We discuss the challenges and implications of AI, privacy, and surveillance, delving into critical concerns about how companies adopt AI technologies and the risks they introduce.Jim shares his skepticism about the hype surrounding generative AI, emphasizing that many companies overlook the importance of solid data management systems before implementing these technologies. He argues that while AI holds potential, the exaggerated promises of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and other advancements often distract from the real issues. We also discuss the hidden human labor behind AI systems and the environmental and ethical costs associated with technology.The conversation touches on broader societal issues, such as the growing surveillance state, the exploitation of human data, and the power imbalance between tech billionaires and the general public. We emphasize the need for more thoughtful, critical discussions around AI's role in shaping the future and advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to address the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding emerging technologies.This insightful episode provides a nuanced perspective on the current state of AI and its impact on society, encouraging listeners to question tech leaders' promises and consider the broader implications of these innovations and his hope for AI and  Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" talks to Jennifer Pierce, PhD, Founder of Singular XQ, AI and Performance Anthropology. We discuss the evolution of online community building, shifting from personal blogs and small communities to the current reliance on big platforms and algorithms. Concerns are raised about the lack of intentional community building and the influence of algorithms on digital spaces. We stress the importance of finding genuine connections and understanding the impact of algorithm-driven content. We also highlight the lack of transparency and understanding in AI decision-making, pointing out the complexity and ambiguity of terms like "autonomous" and "semi-autonomous." Pierce expresses concern about the theatricality of technology demonstrations and the need for honesty and transparency to build investor confidence. Her nonprofit's mission to address human problems in digital transformation and AI products is passionately discussed, emphasizing the societal and cultural understanding of technology. We explore misconceptions and the need for clarity and specificity in discussing AI technologies.Pierce speaks about the unethical practices of e-commerce platforms and advocates for public outcry and action against unsustainable data practices. She encourages individuals to adopt more sustainable and mindful technology uses and her hope for Data Privacy in the future. Note: Citing Liza Dixon for creating the term "autonowashing"Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Emerald De Leeuw-Goggin, Global Head of AI Governance & Privacy and Women in AI Governance Co-founder. We discuss the intersection of privacy, technology, and the representation of women in AI governance. Emerald shares her background, detailing her transition from the Netherlands to Ireland and her early interest in privacy tech, which led to the founding of Women in AI Governance. This organization aims to address the lack of diversity in AI leadership, empowering local leaders to foster inclusivity and representation in the field.The conversation also addresses pressing concerns regarding the implications of AI technologies, such as deepfakes, on mental health and privacy. Both speakers highlight the ethical considerations necessary in AI applications, particularly in advertising, to mitigate harmful effects. We discuss the EU AI Act and its parallels to the GDPR, stressing the need for clear guidelines and the importance of organizations articulating their values to ensure ethical practices. The meeting concludes with a shared commitment to future collaboration and a mutual appreciation for the insights exchanged, underscoring the significance of responsible AI development alongside privacy considerations and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.Many thanks to the Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast Privacy Visionary, Smartbox AI, for sponsoring this episode and supporting our podcast. Smartbox.ai, named British AI Company of the Year, provides cutting-edge AI. For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the showSupport the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Bill Buchanan, Professor of Applied Cryptography at Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland). Professor Buchanan begins by sharing his career journey, highlighting his transition from electrical engineering to becoming a prominent figure in cryptography and cybersecurity. The conversation covers key topics, including the distinction between symmetric key encryption and public key encryption, where Buchanan explains how these methods are used to secure communications. He also dives into the importance of digital signatures for verifying data authenticity and maintaining data integrity, emphasizing their role in making the internet more trustworthy. The discussion expands into advanced cryptographic techniques like hashing functions, zero-knowledge proofs, and homomorphic encryption, which allow encrypted data to be processed securely without decryption. Buchanan sheds light on the critical challenge of key management in preventing data breaches, especially in cloud environments, and introduces listeners to post-quantum cryptography, which aims to protect against the emerging threat of quantum computers. The episode also touches on artificial intelligence’s influence on cryptography, where AI’s ability to exploit side channels and reverse-engineer code presents new challenges. Buchanan addresses the ongoing debate surrounding government surveillance and backdoors in encryption, warning of the risks associated with weakening encryption standards. He concludes with his vision for the future of data privacy, advocating for a more citizen-focused approach that grants individuals greater control over their data, especially as AI and large tech companies continue to reshape the digital landscape. This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving world of cryptography, data privacy, and the future of security in a rapidly advancing technological era and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" talks to Dr. Genevieve Bartuski, Founder and CEO of Bartuski Consulting, Data Privacy, Cyberpsychology and AI Governance. We discuss Genevieve's professional background and transition to becoming a data privacy and cybersecurity consultant. We also explore the intersection of technology and human behavior, emphasizing online privacy's ethical considerations and societal implications. The conversation underscores the complex nature of cyberpsychology and its multifaceted influence on people's lives.We explore the potential privacy harms, biases, and lack of transparency in decision-making processes associated with artificial intelligence (AI). We highlight the impact of AI on medical and psychological studies, emphasizing the potential health disparities and biases in research and the need for more inclusive and transparent practices in AI development and implementation. We also discuss the limitations of traditional intelligence and personality assessments and the need for a more holistic approach that considers an individual's environment and background.The discussion also touches on privacy and data concerns, including deep fakes, age verification for children online, and the growing collection of personal data. We express skepticism about the necessity and security of providing personal information and the need for clearer, more transparent policies, particularly written in plain language, to make it easier for consumers to understand. Additionally, we highlight the importance of making policies and terms of service more straightforward and accessible to consumers and the need for greater transparency in data handling.We also discuss the EU AI Act, its potential international influence, and the risks of unauthorized AI use, including exposing personal and confidential information in public models. We emphasize the need for low-tech security measures and a culture of psychological safety to effectively address privacy breaches. Additionally, we express our wishes for minimizing data collection, eliminating scammers, and establishing global regulations to address privacy concerns, highlighting the potential role of international bodies like the Hague or the UN in setting guidelines for privacy and her hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Paul Starrett, Co-Founder, PrivacyLabs, Founder, Starrett Law ( AI-Governance Technology, Law, Cyber Risk). We discuss an overview of his career journey, highlighting his transition from security and technology to law and specialization in AI and data science. Debbie Reynolds discusses the legal industry's approach to technology, prompting Paul to share his perspective on the industry's slow adoption of technology and the need for improved data literacy. We also discuss the historical context of technology and AI adoption, reflecting on the transition from manual to digital processes and the growing reliance on technology in the workplace.We explore the multifaceted aspects of governance in AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of GRC and the need to understand the underlying reasons for governance practices. We also explore the complexities of addressing bias in AI applications, highlighting the risks associated with biased data and the challenges of ensuring fair and unbiased outcomes. Furthermore, we discuss the surprising challenges companies face with data and AI, particularly in navigating the hype cycle and understanding the proper use of AI as an enabler for specific tasks.We engage in a conversation about the proper use of technology, highlighting the importance of understanding its functionality to mitigate potential risks and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.Many thanks to the Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast Privacy Visionary, Smartbox AI, for sponsoring this episode and supporting our podcast. Smartbox.ai, named British AI Company of the Year, provides cutting-edge AI. For more information about Smartbox AI, visit their website at https://www.smartbox.ai. Enjoy the showSupport the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva", talks to Nigel Scott, Director, X-Digital Pty Limited, Digital Strategy, Project Management & Marketing (Australia). We discuss his career journey and share his insights on artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI. He emphasizes the need for dedicated individuals to truly excel in utilizing this technology and questions the widespread appeal of generative AI. Nigel and Debbie discuss the implications of Generative AI for data systems and organizational productivity, emphasizing the importance of teaching people how to think and ask complex questions when using generative AI.The conversation also goes into the impact of privacy on data in the web era, prompting contemplation about the future implications of these interconnected elements. Nigel emphasizes the importance of finding a lazy way to come to a solution to ensure high user satisfaction and adoption in user experience design. Debbie initiates a discussion about data deletion and the complexities of privacy laws, particularly referencing the "right to be forgotten" in Europe. The conversation concludes with excitement for the future possibilities and the anticipation of the episode's release.Nigel and Debbie discuss the future of technology and trust, particularly focusing on the role of AI in negotiating trust between parties. Nigel emphasizes the importance of trust over privacy and highlights the potential for AI to foster an environment of trust in the digital space. They also touch upon the challenges regulators face in understanding the complexities of technology, the need for a shift in mindset to embrace the potential of AI for the benefit of humanity, and his hope for Data Privacy in the future.Support the show