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In this episode of The Data Diva Talks Privacy, Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" speaks with Rowenna Fielding, Director of Miss IG Geek, about data ethics, privacy, governance, and the human impact of how organizations collect and use data. Rowenna shares her unconventional path into privacy, beginning in theater and information technology before eventually specializing in information governance, data protection, and data ethics. She explains how her work evolved as she became increasingly interested not only in legal compliance but also in the broader consequences of the way organizations make decisions about people using data.

The conversation explores the distinction between compliance and ethics, and why organizations often assume that following policies, regulations, or technical controls automatically leads to ethical outcomes. Rowenna argues that data is not neutral or objective but is instead the product of human choices, incentives, and assumptions. Debbie and Rowenna discuss how organizations frequently collect and use data without fully considering whether the data is appropriate, whether it should be collected at all, or whether its use could unintentionally cause harm.

They examine the challenge of defining harm in the context of privacy and data protection, particularly when the effects are psychological, social, reputational, or otherwise difficult to measure. The discussion includes comparisons to health and safety frameworks, highlighting how organizations can build systems, governance structures, incentives, education programs, and cultures that make responsible data use the default rather than the exception. Rowenna explains how GDPR's foundation in fundamental rights provides a useful framework for evaluating ethical questions and why organizations must think beyond legal compliance to consider the broader impact of their actions on individuals and society.

The episode also explores corporate social responsibility, ESG, organizational values, and how leaders can establish meaningful ethical boundaries in environments where technology is advancing faster than regulation or societal norms. Throughout the conversation, Debbie and Rowenna challenge organizations to think critically about what it means to use data responsibly and how privacy programs can move beyond box-checking exercises to become part of a broader commitment to reducing harm and protecting people.

By popular demand, Debbie Reynolds Consulting is now offering executive briefings on emerging data privacy risks and how companies can avoid them. To learn more, visit the Executive briefings page on my website.

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In this episode of The Data Diva Talks Privacy, Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva" speaks with Eric Null, Director, Privacy & Data Program at the Center for Democracy & Technology, about the current state of privacy in the United States and the ongoing effort to establish comprehensive federal privacy legislation. Eric shares his unique journey from studying classical clarinet performance to becoming a leading advocate for privacy and consumer rights, explaining how his work in technology policy, net neutrality, broadband privacy, and consumer protection shaped his perspective on privacy as an issue fundamentally connected to power and control.

The conversation explores how information functions as a source of power in the digital age and why the collection, processing, and use of personal data can create risks ranging from manipulation and profiling to broader concerns about autonomy and control. Eric discusses his early work involving children's privacy, broadband privacy, and consumer protection, including efforts to strengthen privacy protections through the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission. He explains how the growth of the "free" Internet business model has created an environment in which individuals often exchange large amounts of personal information in exchange for access to online services, incentivizing extensive data collection and monetization.

Debbie and Eric examine the current U.S. privacy landscape, including the sector-specific approach taken by laws such as HIPAA, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and COPPA. They discuss the Federal Trade Commission's role as the primary federal privacy regulator and how the agency's authority has historically relied on preventing deceptive and unfair practices rather than establishing broad data rights. The discussion explores the limitations of the notice-and-choice model, in which organizations disclose their practices through privacy policies that consumers rarely read or meaningfully negotiate, and how network effects can limit the practical choices available to individuals seeking to participate in modern digital platforms.

The episode also covers the repeated attempts to pass comprehensive federal privacy legislation, including the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA), the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA), and more recent proposals. Eric shares insights into the legislative challenges that have prevented these efforts from becoming law and discusses the policy debates surrounding data minimization, consumer rights, enforcement, and the relationship between privacy and broader concerns about the power of large technology companies. The conversation highlights why privacy remains one of the most important policy issues facing organizations, regulators, and consumers, and why meaningful reform continues to be difficult despite widespread public concern.

By popular demand, Debbie Reynolds Consulting is now offering executive briefings on emerging data privacy risks and how companies can avoid them. To learn more, visit the Executive briefings page on my website.

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Become an insider, join Data Diva Confidential for data strategy and data privacy insights delivered to your inbox.

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Debbie Reynolds Consulting, LLC

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Doug Austin, Editor of eDiscovery Today

In this episode of The Data Diva Talks Privacy, Debbie Reynolds, The Data Diva speaks with Doug Austin, Editor of eDiscovery Today, about how eDiscovery, data governance, privacy, and artificial intelligence are increasingly interconnected in modern organizations. Doug explains how eDiscovery has evolved from a litigation-focused discipline into a broader framework that supports investigations, audits, incident response, and privacy-related workflows such as data subject access requests.

The conversation explores how AI is generating entirely new categories of data, including chatbot interactions, meeting transcripts, automated summaries, and AI-generated content, all of which may become evidence in legal and regulatory contexts. Debbie and Doug discuss how organizations are struggling to manage this expanding data landscape, particularly as employees adopt AI tools without fully understanding the implications for privacy, confidentiality, and data exposure.

They examine real-world scenarios involving AI note-taking tools and meeting recordings, including cases where sensitive information is captured and shared beyond its intended audience. The discussion also highlights risks associated with uploading confidential information into public AI systems and the lack of awareness around how these tools handle and retain data.

The episode further explores key legal developments, including litigation involving AI companies and disputes over data retention and production, as well as emerging questions around privilege and work product protections for AI-generated content. Debbie and Doug discuss how courts are beginning to address whether interactions with AI systems can be protected and the implications for both represented and self-represented individuals.

The conversation emphasizes that AI is fundamentally reshaping how data is created, stored, and used, and that organizations must adapt their governance, legal, and privacy strategies to manage these risks effectively while maintaining defensible and compliant data practices.

By popular demand, Debbie Reynolds Consulting is now offering executive briefings on emerging data privacy risks and how companies can avoid them. To learn more, visit the Executive briefings page on my website.

Support the show

Become an insider, join Data Diva Confidential for data strategy and data privacy insights delivered to your inbox.

💡 Receive expert briefings, practical guidance, and exclusive resources designed for leaders shaping the future of data and AI.

👉 Join here: http://bit.ly/3Jb8S5p

Debbie Reynolds Consulting, LLC