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 with carefully selected stories, context, analysis, and historical perspective.
Topics include: privacy tool updates and vulnerabilities, data breaches, surveillance technology and government overreach, Big Tech privacy policies, encryption standards, digital rights legislation, and corporate data accountability.
Whether you're just starting to take privacy seriously or you're a seasoned expert tracking the ecosystem, Surveillance Report delivers the weekly news you need. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe and join the community at techlore.tech
Topics include: privacy tool updates and vulnerabilities, data breaches, surveillance technology and government overreach, Big Tech privacy policies, encryption standards, digital rights legislation, and corporate data accountability.
Whether you're just starting to take privacy seriously or you're a seasoned expert tracking the ecosystem, Surveillance Report delivers the weekly news you need. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe and join the community at techlore.tech
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
Apr 20, 2021 • 29min
Welcome to Data Breach Galore! - Surveillance Report 38
This week covers the alarming breaches at ParkMobile and Clubhouse, revealing major data exposure risks. A WhatsApp flaw could lock users out despite security measures, raising eyebrows. Political concerns surge as the FBI is involved in removing web shells from Exchange servers. Plus, learn about Mexico's biometric SIM registration law and rising government data requests to tech companies. The hosts also discuss implications of biometrics in payment systems and the controversial return of Richard Stallman to the Free Software Foundation.
9 snips
Apr 14, 2021 • 24min
Breaking Down Signal's Cryptocurrency Controversy - Techlore & The New Oil
Nathan from The New Oil, a contributor specializing in cryptocurrency and privacy, joins to discuss the controversy surrounding Signal's partnership with MobileCoin. They dive into the backlash over Signal's move away from public server updates and the implications of integrating payments. The duo debates whether Signal should have payment features and examines the trustworthiness of MobileCoin, including its venture funding ties. They ponder if these changes compromise Signal's safety and if users should still trust the platform, remaining cautiously optimistic.
20 snips
Apr 11, 2021 • 39min
Signal...WHY? - Surveillance Report 37
This week features a shocking data leak from Qlink Wireless, exposing sensitive information. Facebook’s old data breach raises concerns, while Zuckerberg's use of Signal highlights WhatsApp’s privacy flaws. A job site breach affects 30k in Singapore, and an AI dating app leaks intimate chats. OnlyFans content surfaces on Google Drive, while Twitch reveals a crackdown on off-platform misconduct. With rising threats like malware posing as Netflix apps and a new Signal cryptocurrency integration, privacy remains a hot topic.
13 snips
Apr 4, 2021 • 36min
Facebook Leaked Half A BILLION Users (For the Millionth Time) - Surveillance Report 36
A massive Facebook breach reveals 533 million users' data, sparking outrage yet again. Meanwhile, MobiKwik faces scrutiny over its leaked information, igniting an investigation in India. Ransomware gang CLOP targets universities, exposing sensitive documents, while Ubiquiti hides a significant breach. Google stirs controversy with its FLoC trial, and PayPal's latest feature allows Bitcoin payments. The episode also addresses troubling new privacy threats like eye tracking and Wi-Fi Sensing, raising alarms about surveillance and data sharing.
14 snips
Mar 31, 2021 • 22min
Apple Blocked ProtonVPN Updates in Myanmar - Surveillance Report 35
This week features alarming data breaches including Apollo's and California's taxpayer leak. Apple finds itself in hot water for blocking ProtonVPN updates in Myanmar amid political turmoil. Tesla faces scrutiny over in-car cameras for privacy violations, while new Android spyware poses as system updates. Meanwhile, researchers reveal 5G vulnerabilities allowing tracking and expose deepfake scams on social media. Stay informed on the latest in security and privacy!
18 snips
Mar 23, 2021 • 38min
Google's Privacy Labels Are (Surprise...) BAD - Surveillance Report 34
Explore Google's alarming privacy label failures and the company's controversial plans to replace third-party cookies while consolidating ad power. Delve into the lawsuit against Apple for manipulating app reviews and the implications of Tinder's new background check partnership. Hear about significant data breaches, shocking judicial actions against tech CEOs, and the risk of malware through social media. Discover the impact of the US IoT Security Improvement Act and California's ban on deceptive privacy practices!
24 snips
Mar 16, 2021 • 39min
UK to Depart From GDPR - Surveillance Report 33
The hosts dive into alarming data breaches, including the fallout from Flagstar and the Verkada camera crisis. They discuss Microsoft's urgent need for patches and the implications of Google's $5B lawsuit over incognito tracking. The UK's plans to relax GDPR protections post-Brexit spark concerns about privacy, while mental health apps evade data protections. New research unveils risks from biometric data and lingering vulnerabilities in major tech infrastructures. Plus, they highlight innovative privacy tools and the ongoing battle for secure communication.
10 snips
Mar 8, 2021 • 28min
Google Is ELIMINATING Cookies (With a Catch) - Surveillance Report 32
Explore the fallout from significant data breaches affecting major airlines and the alarming exposure of COVID-19 test data in India. Discover Google's controversial FLoC proposal and the implications for privacy. Tune in to updates on Facebook's facial-recognition settlement and the implications of pharmacies collecting vaccination data. Get a glimpse into Brave's acquisition of a privacy-focused search engine and the concerns surrounding hacking powers in Australia. Plus, learn about Linux Mint's new security policies and much more!
24 snips
Mar 5, 2021 • 24min
LastPass Is #Cancelled - Surveillance Report 31
A major data breach at Singtel exposes 129,000 customer records due to third-party vulnerabilities. LastPass is limiting free accounts, prompting a shoutout for Bitwarden as an alternative. Malware is adapting, with new threats targeting Apple devices. TikTok faces a $92 million settlement over data privacy issues, while genetic data sales raise ethical concerns. The LAPD's request for Ring footage sparks privacy alarm, and Mexico plans a biometric phone registry to combat crime. Plus, updates on security risks and fixes across popular software.
20 snips
Feb 15, 2021 • 32min
Apple's New Proxy Will Stop Google Spying?! - Surveillance Report 30
This discussion dives into a range of pressing privacy concerns. They explore the impact of a major data leak from KeepChange and the massive compilation of breaches known as COMB. Apple's new Safari proxy raises questions about user safety and privacy trade-offs. Notably, they examine Amazon's invasive monitoring practices and the risks posed by fragile IoT devices. The conversation also touches on significant legislative shifts like Minneapolis banning facial recognition and the implications of net neutrality for digital freedom.
