Download This Show Opt Out 05 | Can you ever really opt out of online life?
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Dec 19, 2025 
Jathan Sadowski, a senior lecturer and proud Luddite, dives deep into the structural challenges of opting out of online life, explaining how surveillance is embedded in our daily routines. He highlights that true privacy is a privilege few can afford, contrasting luxury surveillance versus imposed surveillance. Carly Kind, Australia's Privacy Commissioner, discusses her limited powers under federal law and the absence of a right to erasure in Australia while advocating for stronger privacy protections. Together, they reveal the complexities of navigating and reclaiming digital autonomy.
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Data Works By Profiling Personas
- Jathan Sadowski explains data flows extend beyond direct services into many third parties and inferences.
- Companies profile personas rather than individuals, so little direct data can yield detailed targeting.
Use Privacy Tools But Know Their Limits
- Use privacy-friendly tools like browsers, VPNs and Signal to reduce your data footprint meaningfully.
- Jathan Sadowski says these tools lower data flow rather than stopping it entirely, so combine measures.
Surveillance Is Unequal And Often Imposed
- Opting out is a privilege tied to wealth and social position, not evenly available.
- Sadowski contrasts 'luxury surveillance' paid for by consumers with 'imposed surveillance' forced on others.