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In episode 251 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Ilia Dubovtsev, Founder of Dub Consulting, joining from Moscow, Russia. he discussion centers on the complexities of privacy in the workplace and how emerging technologies, especially AI, are reshaping the boundaries of personal data and institutional responsibility. Ilia shares his framework for operationalizing privacy—built on the principles of accountability, fairness, and balancing interests, and explains why this model is essential when managing employee data in digitally driven environments.

Ilia shares his belief that privacy is the maximum expression of individual liberty. He developed a three-pillar framework for privacy programs: accountability, balance of interest, and fairness. He explains how these principles can be applied across jurisdictions, whether in Russia, Europe, or the United States. Despite the United States’ lack of a comprehensive federal privacy law, Ilia notes that core principles like non-discrimination and transparency often serve as common ground for workplace privacy protections.

Debbie and Ilia dive deep into the complexities of employee privacy, comparing regulatory and cultural variations. They acknowledge that workplace data, often governed by contract law, labor law, and surveillance practices, is uniquely sensitive because employees have fewer choices about whether and how their data is collected. The conversation shifts to the influence of AI in the workplace. Ilia envisions AI empowering employees by reducing dependency on traditional corporate structures, potentially shifting employer-employee dynamics to a more equitable “peer” relationship. He proposes a new privacy policy model that includes (1) transparent data practices, (2) distinct policy boundaries across employment stages, and (3) accessible remedies for challenging data misuse. Ilia stresses the need for literacy, both technical and legal, to protect workers and hold employers accountable.

The episode concludes with a thoughtful exchange on liberty, trust, and the potential of fair AI governance. Ilia emphasizes that privacy must be preserved through principled regulation and public education, rather than a proliferation of fragmented, burdensome rules. He cites the U.S. scholarly conversation around the “duty of loyalty” and calls for frameworks that ensure both data accountability and empowerment for individuals.

#EmployeePrivacy #GlobalPrivacyFramework #AIinWorkplace #DubConsulting #PrivacyRights #DigitalGovernance #DataLiberty #WorkplaceEthics #AIandHR #PrivacyLiteracy

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In episode 250 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Marianne Mazaud, Co-Founder of AI ON US, an International Executive Summit Focused on Responsible Artificial Intelligence, co-created with Thomas Lozopone. They explore the powerful relationship between AI, privacy, and trust, emphasizing how leaders can take actionable steps to create inclusive and ethically grounded AI systems.

Marianne shares insights from her extensive experience in creative performance marketing and brand protection, including how generative AI technologies have created both opportunities and new risks. She stresses the importance of privacy and inclusion in AI governance, especially in high-risk sectors like healthcare and education.

The conversation moves to public trust in AI. Marianne references a study revealing widespread distrust in AI systems due to cybersecurity concerns, algorithmic bias, and lack of transparency. She highlights the need to involve more diverse voices, including individuals with disabilities and children, in the development of emerging technologies. Marianne and Debbie also examine the role of data privacy in consumer trust, citing a PricewaterhouseCoopers report showing that 83% of consumers believe data protection is essential to building trust with businesses.

They compare AI regulatory landscapes across the European Union and the United States. Marianne outlines how the EU AI Act places joint responsibility on AI developers and providers, which can introduce compliance complexities, especially for small businesses. She explains how these regulations can be difficult to implement retroactively and may impact innovation when not considered early in the development process.

Marianne closes by introducing the AI On Us initiative and the International Summit on Responsible AI for Executives. These efforts are designed to support leaders navigating AI governance through immersive workshops, best practices, and applied exercises. She also describes the Arborist Charter, a commitment to gender equality and inclusion in AI that has been adopted by 150 companies globally.

They discuss the erosion of public trust in AI and the contributing role of biased algorithms, black-box decision-making, and regulatory fragmentation across regions. Marianne describes the uneven distribution of protections for vulnerable populations, such as children and persons with disabilities, and the failure of many AI systems to account for culturally or biologically diverse user bases. She emphasizes that privacy harms are not only about data collection but also about downstream effects and misuse, especially in sectors like healthcare, hiring, and public policy.

Debbie and Marianne contrast the emerging regulatory models in the United States and the European Union, noting that the U.S. often lacks forward-looking obligations for AI developers, whereas the EU imposes preemptive risk requirements. Despite these differences, both agree that building AI systems that are trustworthy, explainable, and fair must become a global imperative.

Marianne closes by describing how AI on Us was founded to help global executives take practical, values-driven steps toward responsible AI. Through events, tools, and shared ethical commitments, the initiative encourages leaders to treat AI responsibility as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance obligation.

#AIandPrivacy #ResponsibleAI #Governance #SyntheticContent #TrustworthyAI #InclusiveTech #AlgorithmicAccountability #PrivacyHarms #E

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In episode 249 of The Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast, host Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” welcomes Marlyse McQuillen, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance, Privacy, and AI at IntegraConnect LLC. Their conversation offers a multidimensional exploration of privacy, from professional ethics and emerging legal conflicts to education policy and AI governance.

Marlyse shares her journey into privacy law, which began during her work as a corporate attorney and expanded through roles in sectors such as health care, finance, and security. She reflects on her professional evolution and her aspirations to bring her cross-industry expertise to companies, especially as organizations increasingly confront regulatory pressure in the areas of consumer data and artificial intelligence.

The conversation dives into privacy issues in healthcare, where Marlyse emphasizes the risks of digital health data in a landscape that continues to shift toward value-based care. She highlights how HIPAA and HIPAA adjacent laws or obligations create complexities in addressing data outside of traditional clinical systems. This becomes especially urgent when companies face financial instability. Marlyse details the example of 23AndMe, a major bankruptcy involving genetic data, in which states raised objections to the sale of consumer health information, and the court ultimately appointed a consumer privacy ombudsman. She and Debbie underscore the long-term damage to trust when sensitive personal data is treated as a transferable asset during bankruptcy proceedings.

The discussion also touches on public digital exposure through the lens of the “Coldplaygate” incident, where a viral Kiss Cam moment led to the resignation of a company CEO. Marlyse and Debbie reflect on how these seemingly lighthearted digital moments can carry real consequences, especially in an era of high surveillance and online amplification. They emphasize the importance of discretion and privacy boundaries, even in public settings.

Marlyse brings a strong policy perspective, advocating for legislative updates to genetic privacy laws and more comprehensive protection for children in schools. She is actively working with the Plunk Foundation to build a digital literacy curriculum that educates young people on safe AI use and privacy rights. She envisions federal mandates for consumer data protection education as a way to create foundational awareness early in life.

The episode closes with personal reflections on the rewarding yet difficult work of privacy leadership, the importance of soft skills development, and Marlyse’s creative approach to privacy education, including a song she wrote to raise awareness about data rights. Throughout, she champions practical reforms, better breach responses, and a cultural shift toward accountability in both public and private uses of technology.

#DigitalHealthPrivacy #GeneticData #AIinEducation #ConsumerTrust #Coldplaygate #PrivacyEducation #PlunkFoundation #PrivacyBankruptcy #PrivacyLeadership #DigitalLiteracy #DataRights

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