Tom Barbour

Ethyca, an Irish-founded, New York-based company focused on data privacy engineering, has raise $10 million in funding as it also welcomed Mozilla, Axios, Remitly and Ramp as new customers. The company is led by Cillian Kieran

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We've reached a critical juncture where notifications of data breaches have become a norm in my inbox. It's time for companies to move beyond superficial apologies and inadequate remedies like free credit monitoring. I'm not a cybersecurity guy, so that will tell you that data security is now a selection criteria for consumers. #DataSecurity #CyberSecurity #BusinessIntegrity

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🚨 New Episode Alert: What The Fraud?! 🚨 Today, I'm diving into everyone's favorite topic... AI! 😱 (I know, shocking!) Sure, fraud with AI is scary. But how dangerous is it really? - Are fraudsters worried about AI taking their jobs? - Is the fraud-apocalypse upon us, or has it already begun? So. Many. Questions! But don't worry—I've got some answers (AI-powered or not). 💡 Take 5 minutes to watch me tackle these burning questions right here 👉 https://lnkd.in/edcms4Zr P.S. We've done some cool new branding for the What the Fraud YouTube channel, so if you haven't followed yet, now's the perfect time! Hit that subscribe button and never miss an episode. 🙌

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Government’s $1.1 billion investments feel like a mixed bag of overhyped fraud hysteria, short-term fixes, & shiny tech promises that may not deliver. Focus seems skewed toward optics & policing rather than addressing systemic inefficiencies & improving participant outcomes. $368.5 million for fraud prevention, touting multi-agency task forces, ICT upgrades, & fraud-busting heroes who are apparently going to "knock on doors" like a Hollywood SWAT team. Let’s get real—fraud within NDIS represents a tiny fraction of total spending 0.1%. Yet, the narrative spins it as an epidemic to justify surveillance-heavy systems. Where’s the proof? How much of this fraud is systemic criminal syndicates vs. minor admin errors? They’ve sunk hundreds of millions into fraud prevention, but how much has actually been recovered? If $1 billion in payments is "under review," what’s the hit rate? Until we see hard data, this looks like throwing money at a political optics machine. Fraud detection systems inevitably flag participants & small providers, not just syndicates. Participants with complex needs, who already struggle with the system, could face delays or wrongful accusations. Who’s monitoring that? Playing to headlines by exaggerating fraud & creating a surveillance regime that risks collateral damage to participants & legitimate providers. $589 million is earmarked for workforce growth & compliance measures to strengthen oversight. On paper, this sounds like more boots on the ground to fix glaring gaps in regulation. Workforce expansion funding is short-term (2–5 years). What happens after that? Does NDIS Commission shrink back to its current under-resourced state, or is this just a band-aid for deep systemic issues? Scaling up compliance measures backfires by adding layers of red tape for providers. Providers already deal with mountains of paperwork; will this make it harder for them to deliver services effectively? What about participant outcomes? Is this another case of "announce big, deliver small"? Without long-term sustainability or focus on participant needs, this funding risks creating a bloated regulatory machine while leaving the root issues untouched. Is this really about fixing NDIS, or just looking busy? continued in comments 👇👇 Mark Toomey Mark Sweeney Marie J. Samantha Connor Cat Walker Katie Scroggins Graham Taylor Veronica Stephan-Miller Bob Buckley Shirley Humphris Byron Stol Veronica Stephan-Miller Peter Gregory Dr George Taleporos (GAICD, PhD) William Ward-Boas Trudy Newell Jacqui Grant Tara Hannon Annette A. Uli Cartwright Dr Rodney Jilek MAICD Tania Gomez Loma Naser Amanda Challen👩‍🦼 carolyn fitzgibbon Muriel Cummins Jordon Steele-John Linda Reynolds Jarrad Hills Jarrod Sandell-Hay The Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association https://lnkd.in/gAvCaeiK

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Most security startups are thin layers on top of open-source tools. How can you tell if that's the case? There isn't a single metric, but for Binarly, you simply have to look at the number of real security issues they have identified relative to their competitors—the numbers are staggering. This has only been possible due to their advanced security research in automating binary analysis using modern reverse engineering and machine learning. Super impressive stuff!

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Good read that shows the challenges of regulation. Once you’ve let big tech grow into monopolies they shut up competition and it is hard to reintroduce competition. Decades ago Microsoft was ordered to be broken up for illegally squashing competition, but Microsoft appealed and the case was settled in a more business-friendly way. Today, the most draconian move against Google would be to demand a break-up of Google or spin off of its Chrome web browser or Android mobile operating system that are embedded with its monopolistic search engine. But is it possible or even too late? We need more than regulation. Companies, organisations and individualt could use other tools than Google’s. But obviously, the majority chose convenience and let the responsibility lie w governement and judges…..

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I appreciate Markup's tools because they hold institutions accountable for how they use technology. I especially love the Blacklight tool because it empowers people to be better informed. It's simple, powerful and elegant. Enter the address of any website, and Blacklight will scan it and reveal the specific user-tracking technologies on the site—and who’s getting your data. The latest update only makes batch scans easier. Bonus: I work with and learn from the awesome folks who helped build it! #technology #privacy

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Microsoft's antitrust settlement in the 1990s inadvertently set the stage for Google's rise, demonstrating the cyclical nature of market dominance and regulatory challenges in the tech industry. Ironically, Google now finds itself under similar antitrust scrutiny that once facilitated its ascent. As Judge Amit Mehta prepares to deliver his verdict on Google's antitrust conduct, a broader movement appears to be taking shape. With Amazon, Apple, and Meta also facing significant legal challenges over their market practices, it seems we may be witnessing the beginning of a concerted effort to break up big tech's stronghold. What do you think this means for the future of the tech industry? https://lnkd.in/eENdneV6 #Technology #Future

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Well-played O2 (Telefónica UK). Scamming the scammers. Is using AI to scam scammers a clear-cut win? It's probably more of a double-edged sword. While it may have some benefits, there are potential drawbacks, including energy consumption and spurring a scamming response that may produce even more sophisticated attacks. #o2 #scam #scammers Virgin Media O2 Virgin Media https://lnkd.in/ee-sNr-4

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Design choices can directly impact user privacy, and as product designers we need to reckon with that. The data we collect, the ways we use it and the potential for our products to enable surveillance are all very real concerns. These might seem a little abstract, but they have serious consequences for our users. If people feel their every move is being monitored and analyzed by our products... That could stifle their willingness to express themselves freely and question the status quo. In a world where technology is everywhere, PMs have an outsized impact on free speech. We're not just building products - we're in some cases shaping the future of public discourse. So while it might be tempting to collect as much data as possible... Or to design engagement mechanics that keep users under constant surveillance... We have to consider the societal implications, not just KPIs. As Joe Toscano put it, alternative thoughts need space to be expressed, even if we dislike them. It's on us to build products that create that space, not destroy it.

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SUMMARY: Konfety ad fraud exploits 250 Google Play apps to execute fraudulent ad clicks, impacting an estimated seven million users and generating illicit revenue. MAIN POINTS: - Konfety ad fraud scheme infiltrated 250 Google Play apps. - The fraudulent campaign reached an estimated seven million users. - The operation generated significant illicit revenue through fake ad clicks. TAKEAWAYS: - Mobile app security remains a critical issue for the tech industry. - Strategies to detect and prevent ad fraud must be continuously improved. - User vigilance is crucial to avoid falling victim to malware-infected apps. #AdFraud #MobileSecurity #CyberThreats #cybersecuritynews

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𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚.𝐤.𝐚 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐬 Data Access Requests (DARs) continue to emerge as a crucial tool for individual privacy and data rights. But what exactly are DARs, and why are they so important? A Data Access Request is a formal request made by an individual to a business asking to view or obtain a copy of their personal data held by them. Under regulations like the GDPR, DARs are a fundamental right, empowering individuals to understand what information is being collected about them and how it's being used. The importance of DARs cannot be overstated: 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚: They force businesses to be open about their data collection and usage practices. 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍: Individuals can verify the accuracy of their data and request corrections if needed. 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕: DARs foster trust between businesses and their customers or users. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: They help businesses maintain regulatory compliance and avoid hefty fines. In Australia, while we don't have an exact GDPR equivalent just yet, the Privacy Act 1988 does provide some rights to access personal information. However, as we move closer towards regulatory reform, we might see a strengthening of these rights. What might this look like for Australia? 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒆: Extending beyond just 'personal information' to include all data related to an individual. 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔: Mandating quicker response times for businesses to fulfill DARs. 𝑬𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚: Making the DAR process more user-friendly and widely known. 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔: Implementing stronger consequences for non-compliance. As we navigate this evolving landscape, businesses should consider preparing for stricter DAR requirements. This means investing in robust data management systems, clear data mapping, and efficient request handling processes. For individuals, stay informed about your data rights. As regulations evolve, your ability to control your digital footprint will likely strengthen. In our data-centric world, DARs are more than just a regulatory requirement—they're a vital tool for digital empowerment. #DataPrivacy #GDPR #AustralianPrivacyReform #DataRights #AUPrivac #DigitalTransformation

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Interesting interview about big tech issues & AI between Meredith Whittaker, the Signal president & TechCrunch, but Meredith’s misinformed, negative views on age gating & Yoti surprised me. Mike Butcher ✍️ asks Meredith: “There was a recent development where they’re (Ofcom) consulting on AI for online safety. Do you have any comment on that?” & Meredith responds: “I am very concerned about age-gating. And this idea that we need a database, [for instance] run by Yoti, a U.S.-based company who’s lobbying hard for these infrastructures, that would do biometric identification or some machine learning, inaccurate magic, or have a database of IDs, or what have you, that means you effectively have to log in with your real identity and your age and any other information they want, in order to visit a website. You’re talking about an incredible mass surveillance regime…What you see here with these provisions is just an ushering in of something that completely ignores an understanding of simply how sensitive that data is and creates a [situation] where you have to check in with the authorities before you can use a website.” To set the record straighter… Yoti is a British founded & based business. We’ve never paid US or EU lobbyists to lobby politicians or regulators (but many regulators have asked us to explain our age check (& ID) services. As emphasised by both the UK Information Commissioner's Office & US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Yoti facial #ageestimation (FAE) does not involve any biometric identification. It is not #facialrecognition. NIST independently test & publish FAE vendors & critically their False Positive Rates whe; estimating over 18s. FAE is not ‘inaccurate magic’. You don’t need to log in with your real identity & your age. Individuals can use the Yoti app to share an anonymous 18+ attribute with a business without adding ID details to Yoti or sharing ID info with the business. Individuals choose if & when to use the Yoti app or tech, we don’t know who Yoti app users are & can’t email them as only the individual has the encryption keys on their phone to access their PII. By design, there is no mass surveillance for individuals using Yoti age (or ID services). No govt or regulator has (yet) asked Yoti to retain identity details for someone just wanting to anonymously prove age. Yoti is keen on privacy like you are Meredith. Age gating can be done / regulated badly but technically it can also be done / regulated smartly emphasising privacy. For transparency, Yoti is a small business client of Signal & we respect the value Signal provides for millions of individuals who might otherwise suffer from interception of their private communications. But lots of people will have read this interview & got an inaccurate, negative view of Yoti which is a pity :( https://lnkd.in/dMtnteiJ

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Earlier this week, it was floated in the Wall Street Journal that the CMA and ICO had privacy concerns over Google's Privacy Sandbox. The full report released today shares a series of concerns for the first time from the ICO (mentioned 113 times) that are extensive and cover a lot (all?) of the proposed APIs. On one specific API, I've long maintained that the Topics API is going to expose Google to significant risk . Why? Three reasons: (a) operating as a the scale at which the Chrome browser operates increases the chance of a topic causing individual harm unknowingly, (b) the lack of monitoring/compliance of who and what the API is being used for and (c) consent for Topics API has partial dependency on websites explaining purposes and reasons to users. Operating at the scale Google does, its unlikely they will ensure this is in place. Google has tried to place the responsibility for this on websites and partners using the services and step away from these risks- this report shows that this isn't going to wash. Full CMA report here: https://lnkd.in/dRHyG9Xs

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The first edition of Faked Up is out. This week's topics include: #1 The slow battle against undresser apps, a scourge of the generative AI revolution that needs to be fought with all available tools #2 OpenAI's latest deepfake detector #3 AI in elections, including a smart pledge proposed by Full Fact Check it out -- there is a free preview, but it is otherwise a paid product -- and consider subscribing at: https://lnkd.in/gsMEeTbn

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Too all those who are going to be providing any kind of mentoring in 2025, remember I have created an inexpensive template that you and your mentees can use to keep track of progress, assign resources, collect relevant context, and send and receive feedback outside of your 121 sessions. It helped me and my mentees massively! https://lnkd.in/eS_X96mZ

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Hi. This week I gave evidence to the House of Lords Media Select Committee on scaling our AI companies (once my Brompton bike managed to get through the security machine!). I said the UK ought to: - Provide exascale compute facilities for innovators Affordable and scalable resources for AI innovators to develop, test, and deploy their models to fuel the next generation of breakthroughs - Back its own venture scientists and engineers with translational funding: With an annual UK research budget of £8Bn, we can do more to translate scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for society. Boosting proof-of-concept funding beyond the current £20M is crucial. Think of it as building 21st-century “bridges, roads, and tunnels” to unleash intellectual potential. - Increase porosity between industry leaders and academia Create seamless pathways between academia and industry by embedding private-sector leaders in research (a bit like the MIT Media Lab in Boston) and encouraging professors to work in industry as part of their tenure. - Own the middle regulatory ground: The UK must strike a balance between the US’s pro-innovation approach and the EU’s regulatory-first mindset. We will flourish with a flexible, forward-thinking regulatory regime, especially for AI. - Refresh the regulators UK regulators must be data-driven and AI-enabled, supported by innovation units that work hand-in-hand with developers and entrepreneurs. This will open up new markets, attract investment, and future-proof our industries - Encourage developers to develop machine learning apps using public data and drive adoption by FTSE 100 companies. The US leads in building Large Language Models (LLMs). The UK can lead the application and service layers by: - Developing machine learning applications using secure and anonymised public datasets to transform public services - Encouraging UK-based FTSE companies to adopt AI solutions, accelerating demand for UK-developed applications, fostering demand and a thriving ecosystem Grateful to contribute, and join other fellow panelists Eleanor Lightbody Susan Bowen Leo Ringer and others. Finally, this session happened on the same day as the Farmers March which turned Westminster into a sea of green wellies and Barbour jackets. Gr8 to Democracy in action! What other ideas or solutions should we explore to scale AI companies to unlock UK's innovation potential? #AIInnovation #FutureOfAI #AILeadership #BuildTheFuture

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