Over the past five seasons, the IRL: Online Life is Real Life podcast has delved into what privacy violations are happening on the internet, who they’re happening to, why they keep happening, and importantly, how we can all take steps to reclaim our privacy online.
Below, we’re pleased to share a staff-curated list of the top 10 IRL podcast episodes we’ve produced about online privacy.
1. The “Privacy Policy” Policy
Privacy policies are generally long and dense. Why do they exist in the first place? Do they actually protect you? What can we do to make them better?
2. Making Privacy Law
Explore the recent history of Big Tech regulation in Europe and learn about what’s on the horizon for privacy law in the U.S. and around the globe.
3. Privacy or Profit – Why Not Both?
Is the choice — privacy or profit — a false dilemma? Meet the people who have built profitable tech businesses while also respecting our privacy.
4. Your Password is the Worst
We should hold companies accountable for better security, but we also need to hold ourselves accountable for good password hygiene. Learn why passwords matter, and what makes a good one.
5. The Surveillance Economy
Big Tech companies collect so much personal data for profit that they’re changing the fundamentals of our economy and even our way of life.
6. The Grand Bargain
While you may think it’s no big deal to give away your personal data in exchange for free online services, how can you know that what you get for what you give is a fair trade?
7. All Your Data Are Belong to Us
Explore the meaning of the expression, “When something is free, you’re the product.” And, meet some of the people determined to shape the reality (or lack thereof) of privacy online.
8. Hack Jobs
Have you ever been hacked? Humans make the internet vibrant, but we’re also the weakest link. This episode of IRL focuses on our internet insecurity. Meet the unsung heroes fighting to keep us safe.
9. I Spy With My Digital Eye
We react against the idea of surveillance, but it turns out that we’ve invited it into our homes through devices like digital assistants, connected toys and baby monitors.
10. Paid Attention
Examine all the ways your attention has become worth money on social media — and how your data makes this possible.
IRL: Online Life is Real Life is an original podcast from Firefox, the tech company that believes privacy isn’t a policy. It’s a right.
