Throughout 2013 and into 2014 the Privacy Surgeon interviewed a wide range of academics, politicians, military chiefs and noted privacy professionals for our new resource exploring ideas and perspectives. The series is a discussion format, rather than combative, and intends to be a relaxed exchange of views. Below is the first series of interviews. Audio is located below each image. Transcripts will be made available over coming days.
Joe McNamee
EU civil society leader
One of Europe’s most influential and dynamic civil society leaders talks about the key information rights issues that are facing Europe and how they are likely to play out in future years. The Executive Director of European Digital Rights (EDRi) is taking a pivotal role in the domains that will affect the new Parliament. In this interview Joe McNamee explains how civil society is successfully changing hearts and minds in Brussels.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin
French and EU data protection Czar
One of Europe’s most influential data protection and privacy leaders talks about her role as head of the French national privacy authority and her thoughts on both the future of EU data protection and of future relations with the United States. She also reflects on the challenge ahead in her new role as Chair of Europe’s confederation of data protection authorities, the Article 29 group.
Professor Noam Chomsky
Renowned academic and thought leader
One of the world’s most influential thinkers and activists talks to the Privacy Surgeon about his hopes and fears for the information society, privacy, whistleblowers… and Google Glass.
The Right Hon David Blunkett MP
Former UK Home Secretary
One of Britain’s most tenacious and controversial politicians talks candidly about regrets, uncertainty and lessons learned. Blunkett tells Privacy Surgeon what he would do if he had his time as Home Secretary over again.
The transcript can be read here
General Michael Hayden
Former CIA and NSA Director
Former US intelligence head General Michael Hayden spoke to Privacy Surgeon on the eve of the Snowden revelations about his hope for greater transparency for the spy agencies. This is instructive archival material showing just how misguided the public have been about the activities of the NSA.
The transcript can be read here
Peter Schaar and Alexander Dix
Influential German Federal and Berlin Commissioners
In this joint interview Peter Schaar, German federal FOI and privacy Commissioner,and Alexander Dix, Berlin FOI and privacy commissioner, talk freely about their hopes and fears for the future of data protection reform in Europe.
Robert Ellis Smith
founder and editor of Privacy Journal
Bob Ellis Smith has a long and distinguished career in privacy spanning forty years. He tells Privacy Surgeon about the formative years of privacy
Paul Nemitz
Head of EU fundamental rights & citizenship
Europe’s head of fundamental rights provides an instructive lesson in the complex interaction between the European Commission, governments and the Parliament and talks about the genesis of the proposed new data protection framework.
Professor Anthony Grayling
Philosopher and head of New College of the Humanities
One of Europe’s most noted philosophers speaks about the nature of privacy, the self and society.
With thanks to Edward Allnutt for production and Zarte Siempre for transcription
