"The Data Diva" Talks Privacy Podcast

Send us a textIn episode 222 of “The Data Diva” Talks Privacy Podcast, Debbie Reynolds talks to Marijan Bračić, co-founder and CEO of Legit, based in Croatia. Marijan shares the story of his unexpected journey into data privacy, which began at a 2017 conference session on GDPR. With a background in data management, Marijan identified the challenges enterprises face in meeting privacy regulations, which inspired the creation of Legit’s flagship product, Data Privacy Manager.The discussion highlights the difficulties organizations experience in transitioning from paper-based compliance to operational privacy programs. Marijan emphasizes the importance of effective data handling practices and explains how Data Privacy Manager uses AI-powered tools and a modular design to address challenges such as personal data discovery, classification, and removal. He discusses the complexities of data deletion and retention, particularly for unstructured data, and how Legit’s solutions provide efficient and accurate processes to manage these issues.The conversation also covers the impact of artificial intelligence on data privacy and the importance of strong governance and ethical practices. Marijan voices concerns about regulatory inefficiencies and advocates for treating personal data with the care one would reserve for their children’s information. He shares Legit’s efforts to expand into the Middle East, where the adoption of privacy technology is progressing quickly.Marijan shares his perspectives, including his vision for a world where privacy is upheld as a fundamental human right, his company's role in advancing global data privacy standards, and his wish for privacy in the future.https://legit.eu/Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Matthew Rosenquist, Mercury Risk's Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), cybersecurity strategist, and LinkedIn Top Voice. With over 35 years of experience, Matthew shares his dynamic career journey, which started with internal investigations, building Intel’s first Security Operations Center, and leading crisis response teams. His extensive background includes advising governments, businesses, and academia on emerging threats and cybersecurity best practices.Matthew highlights the critical evolution of cybersecurity from a “nice-to-have” to a mission-critical business necessity while discussing how rising consumer and regulatory expectations are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. He explains the growing gap between mounting security demands and available resources, emphasizing that cybersecurity leaders must demonstrate value beyond risk prevention. Matthew advocates for evolving cybersecurity’s role from compliance-focused operations to strategic business enablers that deliver competitive advantages and even revenue opportunities.The conversation explores the interconnectedness of privacy and cybersecurity, framing both as foundational to digital trust. Matthew emphasizes that privacy failures and cybersecurity breaches undermine trust with customers, regulators, and business partners, making collaboration between cybersecurity and privacy professionals essential. He also illuminates the importance of proactivity in cybersecurity, contrasting it with the reactive “firefighting” mindset often seen in organizations.Matthew goes into the threat of insider risks, distinguishing between malicious insiders and non-malicious actors who unintentionally create vulnerabilities. Drawing from his experience, he underscores the need for strong leadership, clear policies, and an organizational culture where employees feel empowered to report issues without fear. Looking to the future, he stresses the importance of having cybersecurity expertise on boards of directors, enabling organizations to navigate rising risks and better align cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives.As the discussion concludes, Matthew shares his wish for the cybersecurity industry: improved communication, collaboration, and leadership. He calls for greater strategic thinking, proactive risk management, and a collective effort to stay ahead of evolving threats in an increasingly complex digital world. He also highlights his hope for Cybersecurity and Data Privacy in the future.Support the show

Send us a textDebbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” talks to Michelle Trong Perrin-Steinberg, SAP's Chief Legal Counsel for Export Controls and Sanctions for North and South America. Michelle shares her inspiring and unique career journey, including roles in government contracting, aerospace and defense, higher education, law firms, and consulting, before transitioning to her current tech industry role. Her wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective on the intersection of export controls, privacy, and emerging technologies.Debbie and Michelle explore the evolving nature of export controls, particularly in the digital age, where data flows and cross-border transfers have added new layers of complexity. Michelle explains how export controls, once focused largely on physical goods, now encompass digital data, renderings, and server-to-server flows. She highlights the challenges businesses face in complying with ever-changing geopolitical regulations, especially with the rise of AI and emerging technologies. The conversation also touches on the direct connection between export controls and privacy, such as the recent U.S. executive order prohibiting data brokers from transferring sensitive American data to countries of concern.Michelle emphasizes the need for clear regulations, global collaboration, and practical safeguards to help companies comply while protecting data privacy. She discusses the parallels between export controls and privacy laws, including the importance of tracking data lineage, securing consent for sensitive information, and implementing proper access controls. As technology evolves rapidly, Michelle stresses the importance of creating robust systems to safeguard data while remaining adaptable to constant changes and shares her hope for Data Privacy in the future.Additionally, Michelle introduces her new book, Kindly Michelle, which shares her journey, lessons learned, and insights for young professionals navigating their careers. She encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves, develop a strong personal brand, and prioritize kindness and authenticity when building professional connections.Support the show

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.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 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