How AI Is Changing Data Privacy Forever with Katharine Tomko of First Ascent Ventures

In this episode of The Privacy Insider Podcast, host Arlo Gilbert and Katharine Tomko, Partner at First Ascent Ventures, dive into AI, how it is changing the data privacy landscape, and how its growth presents new challenges for privacy teams and individuals. Also in this episode: has impacted data privacy, tThe importance of consent, and why privacy matters more than you think.

Katharine has been a leader in privacy technology and enterprise software since her days as the first Head of Privacy Programs at Facebook. As a recognized expert in data privacy and protection and partner at First Ascent Ventures, Katharine supports emerging technologies that aim to transform data privacy and security.

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Episode Highlights:

[01:20] - Will AI Create a Utopian Society or a Dystopian Nightmare?
[04:43] - Learn the Dark Secrets of AI Before It’s Too Late
[17:05] - Data Privacy Tips for Startups
[25:23] - Are You Giving Away Your Data Privacy?

Quotes:

“I think I have the good witch crystal ball and the bad witch crystal ball, and I think we're very much at this pivotal fork in the road with the uptick in the usage of AI, large language models, generative AI, transformative AI, and quantum computing.”
“I recommend companies get control of their data. It's no longer a, Hey, you might get fined if you don't. Or hey, you might have a data breach. This is a potential existential risk to society.”
“I also would recommend doing a risk assessment. I think that is absolutely a critical first step for understanding what are your risks and how to mitigate those risks? And this is not something, Hey, hire a privacy expert and have them do the risk assessment. No. The C-suite and executive team needs to be involved in this. They need to internalize what is going on. They need to understand data flows. They need to understand what people at your company are worried about.”
“Here, in America, where we have incredibly bright minds and the ability to create amazing technology, we still are putting profits over everything else. And data is very valuable.”
“Security is very important. But you can't do security without privacy.”

Episode Resources:

Katharine Tomko on LinkedIn
First Ascent Ventures Website
LinkSquares Website
C100 LinkedIn Page