Slashdot: Nearly 10 Years After Data and Goliath, Bruce Schneier Says: Privacy’s Still Screwed

Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/02/17/1557220/nearly-10-years-after-data-and-goliath-bruce-schneier-says-privacys-still-screwed?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Nearly 10 Years After Data and Goliath, Bruce Schneier Says: Privacy’s Still Screwed

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Summary: Bruce Schneier highlights the intensified state of surveillance over the past decade, emphasizing that despite some regulatory measures, the core issue of surveillance capitalism remains unaddressed. He warns that AI advancements could further erode personal privacy and challenges existing norms around data protection.

Detailed Description: In his recent interview, security expert Bruce Schneier shares a sobering perspective on the state of surveillance and data privacy, indicating significant ongoing challenges for individuals in these domains. His commentary sheds light on several major points relevant for professionals concerned with security, privacy, and compliance:

* **Intensified Surveillance**:
– Schneier notes that both government agencies and corporations are collecting personal information more aggressively than in the past.
– He asserts that “nothing has changed since 2015,” emphasizing the persistence of bulk surveillance programs, particularly by the NSA.

* **Privacy Challenges in the Digital Age**:
– The proliferation of cloud services, IoT devices, and smartphones complicates individuals’ ability to safeguard their privacy.
– He underscores the limitations even with companies like Apple, suggesting that corporate interests can conflict with privacy promises.

* **Regulatory Measures**:
– While some advancements in regulation such as GDPR and U.S. state laws exist, Schneier critiques their effectiveness, stating they fail to address the foundational issues posed by surveillance capitalism.

* **Impact of AI on Privacy**:
– The rise of AI brings new privacy concerns, as the necessity for cloud computing resources means users may have to share even more personal data with technology companies.
– The idea that advancements in AI could compromise existing privacy protections like end-to-end encryption is highlighted as a significant risk.

* **Long-term Outlook**:
– Despite his concerns, Schneier expresses cautious optimism about the future of privacy, predicting a societal shift similar to historic views on sweatshops, though he acknowledges this could take decades to materialize.

* **Ethical Considerations**:
– The transformation in public perception regarding surveillance practices is seen as a necessary evolution in the discourse around privacy and ethical standards.

This analysis is crucial for security and compliance professionals as it illustrates the ongoing challenges posed by surveillance technologies and regulatory frameworks. Schneier’s insights compel a reassessment of how privacy can be protected in an era dominated by advanced technologies, including AI and cloud infrastructure.