Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/15/interview_bruce_schneier/
Source: The Register
Title: Nearly 10 years after Data and Goliath, Bruce Schneier says: Privacy’s still screwed
Feedly Summary: ‘In 50 years, I think we’ll view these business practices like we view sweatshops today’
Interview It has been nearly a decade since famed cryptographer and privacy expert Bruce Schneier released the book Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World – an examination of how government agencies and tech giants exploit personal data. Today, his predictions feel eerily accurate.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The interview with Bruce Schneier highlights the persistent erosion of privacy and the challenges posed by government and corporate surveillance, especially in the context of AI and data harvesting. His insights emphasize the urgency for comprehensive privacy regulations and the implications of increasing reliance on cloud technology and IoT devices.
Detailed Description:
The text is an interview with Bruce Schneier, a prominent cryptographer and privacy expert, discussing the current state of privacy, corporate surveillance, and the implications of AI for personal data. The conversation revisits themes from his book “Data and Goliath,” highlighting a decade of stagnation in effective privacy protections.
Key Points:
– **Continued Erosion of Privacy**: Schneier asserts that little has changed in terms of surveillance practices, both by governments (e.g., NSA) and corporations. Despite some legislative efforts (like the USA Freedom Act), substantial reforms remain elusive.
– **Increased Data Collection**: The rise of IoT devices and cloud storage has exacerbated privacy vulnerabilities. Individuals now carry powerful surveillance devices (smartphones) that contribute to a culture of constant monitoring.
– **Challenges at the Individual Level**: Schneier discusses the difficulty individuals face in opting out of data collection, suggesting that while there are measures one can take, they often yield minimal protection.
– **Corporate Influence on Privacy**: The discussion highlights the duality of privacy practices among tech companies, particularly Apple, which markets itself as privacy-centric despite needing to balance its business interests in various markets, especially where it faces scrutiny (e.g., China).
– **Call for Comprehensive Privacy Laws**: Schneier emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive privacy regulations to combat entrenched surveillance capitalism. He notes that while individuals are becoming more aware of their data collection, there is a lack of realistic choices that would allow them to protect their privacy effectively.
– **Role of AI in Privacy**: He expresses concern over the intersection of AI services needing personal data for their functionality, particularly when these services are cloud-based. This reliance could negate the privacy benefits provided by encryption.
– **Future Outlook**: While some optimism remains about the long-term trajectory of privacy practices, Schneier warns that immediate conditions are worsening, and significant changes might take a long time, particularly as corporations and governments remain heavily invested in data surveillance.
The dialogue underscores the complexities surrounding data privacy in the age of advanced technology, making it especially relevant for professionals involved in AI, cloud security, privacy laws, and information governance. As organizations continue to grapple with security implications and comply with evolving regulations, understanding these insights is crucial for maintaining ethical standards and fostering trust in technology.