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
13 snips
May 16, 2020 • 1h 21min
Interviewing Sean O'Brien: A Privacy & Security Expert
In this engaging conversation, Sean O'Brien, a Yale Law School lecturer and founder of Yale Privacy Lab, dives into the complexities of digital privacy. He shares how early digital experiences and Snowden’s revelations shaped his focus on privacy. Topics include the risks of COVID-19 contact tracing, the evolution of privacy in a tech-driven world, and promoting user autonomy through alternatives like GrapheneOS. Sean emphasizes three essential steps for reclaiming privacy, showcasing a passion for education and privacy-preserving tech.
17 snips
May 4, 2020 • 18min
Surveillance Report 11
Research uncovers Xiaomi's browser logging user activity, raising privacy concerns. Chrome and Apple face vulnerabilities that could expose users. Amazon's thermal cameras for employee screenings add a layer of secrecy to workplace safety. Clearview AI considers linking contact tracing to their photo database, intensifying privacy fears. A data breach at Shegg leaks sensitive employee information, while Android's EventBot malware targets sensitive bank data. Meanwhile, a UK leak reveals millions of journey logs, highlighting the pervasive nature of surveillance.
14 snips
Apr 27, 2020 • 27min
Surveillance Report 10
This week explores alarming Bluetooth vulnerabilities in contact-tracing apps and their data leaks. The differences in Europe’s contact-tracing protocols spark intrigue, alongside critiques of surveillance programs like Bulgaria’s wristband initiative. Positive shifts emerge as Israel ceases police tracking and major tech names promise to unwind tracing features. The discussion includes troubling Zoom vulnerabilities, breaches in gaming accounts, and the murky world of personal data commodification. Key advisories on two-factor authentication and the risks of third-party antivirus software round out this eye-opening analysis.
20 snips
Apr 20, 2020 • 25min
Surveillance Report 9
Dive into a roundup of crucial cybersecurity news! Google has blocked millions of phishing emails related to COVID-19 and tackled malicious extensions stealing crypto. Microsoft faces challenges with phishing that bypasses 2FA, while automotive giants like Ford grapple with data security flaws. There's alarming research on persistent Android backdoors, and a look at MIT's AI monitoring patient vitals raises privacy concerns. Plus, explore the effects of weak password habits and the implications of UK security leaks.
9 snips
Apr 14, 2020 • 35min
Zoom's RISE & FALL: A Security & Privacy Analysis | SR 8.5
Discover the rise and fall of a major video conferencing platform! Insights include the company's rapid growth during the pandemic and the historic security vulnerabilities that came to light. Learn about alarming issues like unconsented data sharing, misleading encryption claims, and exposed user directories. The podcast also discusses the public backlash and regulatory responses, alongside Zoom's efforts to improve security and transparency. Lastly, hear practical tips on using the platform more securely while navigating ongoing privacy concerns.
16 snips
Apr 12, 2020 • 22min
Surveillance Report 8
This week's highlights dive into Facebook's alleged attempts to purchase NSO's spyware, raising privacy alarms for iOS users. WhatsApp's new measures target misinformation, while Facebook shares anonymized location data for COVID research, sparking privacy debates. Apple and Google's COVID contact-tracing plans face skepticism over effectiveness. A groundbreaking study reveals that 3D printing can clone fingerprints with striking success. Plus, Washington's new law on facial recognition and a massive data leak in Georgia make headlines.
