Technology and Security

In this episode of Technology & Security, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined Dr Adrian De Grazia, Global Intelligence Lead at Pfizer. This episode explores counterfeit pharmaceuticals and the evolving landscape of forensic science. The conversation takes listeners inside global operations, including the technologies transforming supply chain integrity, collaboration with law enforcement, and the unique challenges of detecting and disrupting complex networks involved in medicine counterfeiting. It also explores the importance of data literacy for leaders, and the role of alliances in combating security threats at national and corporate levels.  Listeners hear about innovative approaches to product integrity and authentication—from advanced packaging to real-time tracking—alongside reflections on emerging security risks linked to AI, chemical profiling, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Insightful examples, including Operation Pangea and Australia’s digital forensic strategy for foreign interference, highlight the real-world impact of science in protecting patients, supporting public safety, and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation at local and global scales.Please note, while employed by Pfizer, the views shared by Dr De Grazia are his own, taken from studies, personal and professional experiences past and present.Resourceshttps://www.pfizer.com/products/medicine-safety/counterfeiting  This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by lawyer and digital rights activist, Lizzie O’Shea. This episode explores Australia’s technology debates from a security and legal lens—addressing copyright, creativity, AI, and the legal structures, including class action, that shape society and security. We discuss how so often in the AI discussion we are asked to make trade-offs about immense future potential with real present harms in the now. This episode breaks down why proposals to let large language models freely train on the copyrighted works of Australians have rattled artists, news media, and civil society. Lizzie explains the Productivity Commission’s push for a data mining exemption, unpacks strong community reaction, the distinction between fair use and fair dealing and highlights what’s at stake for creative industry sustainability and fair compensation in the digital age. We also explore recent legal action against Google and Apple–in Australia–and  the breadth of big tech legal and enforcement action globally, and what this means. The episode also covers the changing nature of US and Chinese AI strategies and approaches to the Indo Pacific, as well as an increase in big tech spending in Australian policy and research landscape. We explore the vulnerability of allowing mass data collection, noting that while data minimisation, and prioritising strong cybersecurity are understood priorities we question whether they are they really supported by legislative regimes. We discuss the significance of incentivising feedback in AI systems to integrate them into businesses in productive ways and crafting successful narratives for cautious adoption of AI. Finally, we look at why litigation has become central to holding digital giants accountable, and how Australians’ blend of healthy scepticism and tech enthusiasm might finally force smarter AI regulation. The conversation highlights how quick fixes and premature adoption, risk deeper, lasting social harms and national security threats. Resources mentioned in the recording: ·       Future Histories, What Ada Lovelace, Tom Paine, and the Paris Commune Can Teach Us about Digital Technology, by Lizzie O’Shea, Shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2020 Award. https://lizzieoshea.com/future-histories/·       Burning Platforms podcast, https://percapita.org.au/podcasts/·       Empire of AI by Karen Hao ·       Digital Rights Watch https://digitalrightswatch.org.au This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

In this episode, Dr Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Professor Emily M. Bender—A renowned AI commentator, professor of linguistics at the University of Washington and co-author of The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech Hype and Create the Future We Want. In this episode we explore the complex relationship between language, large language models, and the rise of “synthetic text-extruding machines.” Bender discusses the origins of the “stochastic parrots” metaphor, the risks of anthropomorphising generative AI, and what’s really at stake as automated systems permeate journalism, leadership, and collective decision making. The conversation outlines some of the social and democratic impacts of synthetic content, including on democratic discourse and journalism, the dangers of language standardisation, and how emerging tools can erode diversity and self-confidence in language users. Emily Bender offers practical advice for policymakers and leaders, emphasizing transparency, recourse, and data minimisation. She offers observations from her book tour, reflecting on the ongoing need for human connection in a digital era, and outlines the importance of workers’ collective rights in navigating the future of automation.

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Professor Edward Santow, former Australian Human Rights Commissioner and co-director of the Human Technology Institute at UTS. The conversation is a candid exploration of Australia’s evolving AI landscape, diving into why Australians remain sceptical of AI despite being early adopters, and how trust in technology must be earned—not demanded—through transparency, robust safeguards, and practical engagement with both risks and opportunities. Professor Santow shares insights from his recent book, "Machines in Our Image," reflecting on the dual nature of AI: its power to enhance inclusion and accessibility, but also causing real harm. The discussion traverses global AI politics, the need for balanced regulation, and the critical role of workers and individuals in shaping responsible AI adoption. We also discuss the challenges of AI-driven information threats, misinformation and to democracy. Listeners come away with a nuanced understanding of how Australia can approach its own path in the rapidly shifting world of technology and security.

Dr Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Dr Johnny Ryan, Director of Enforce at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and a leading authority on surveillance, data rights, and privacy. Drawing on his extensive experience in the ad tech industry and digital rights advocacy, Dr Ryan explains how real-time bidding (RTB)—the backbone of online advertising—routinely exposes Australians’ sensitive personal information to hundreds of companies. The conversation unpacks the findings of "Australia’s Hidden Security Crisis," a report revealing how RTB enables the unchecked flow of data about individuals, their families, and even high-level government and defence personnel to foreign jurisdictions, including China and Russia.  Listeners learn how this invisible system works–and how extensive it is–why consent pop-ups do little to protect privacy, and how data categories traded in these auctions can include everything from health and finances to mental state and personal relationships. We explore the current challenges for legislators and enforcement agencies as well as the impact of algorithms on influence and interference. The discussion highlights the national security risks posed by this pervasive form of data collection and sale, including the potential for blackmail, espionage, and foreign surveillance. The episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, privacy, data and security.*Note there was a slight audio issue in this recording. Apologies if the sound is less than our usual very high standard. Resources mentioned in the recording:·               Johnny Ryan, Wolfie Christl, October 2024, Australia’s hidden security crisis, https://www.iccl.ie/digital-data/australias-hidden-security-crisis/·               Barry Lynn, 1 June 2025 Resurrecting the Rebel Alliance: To end the age of Trump, Democrats must relearn the language and levers of power. https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/06/01/resurrecting-the-rebel-alliance/·               Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way, March/April 2025, The Path to American Authoritarianism What Comes After Democratic Breakdown, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/path-american-authoritarianism-trump·               US State Department Substack, The Need for Civilizational Allies in Europe, https://statedept.substack.com/p/the-need-for-civilizational-allies-in-europe·               Johnny Ryan, 15 January 2025, Big tech is picking apart European democracy, but there is a solution: switch off its algorithms, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/14/big-tech-picking-apart-europe-democracy-switch-off-algorithms·               Miah Hammond-Errey (2024)  Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (30% off code: ADC24)This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

In this episode of Technology & Security, Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Dr Zena Assaad to explore the technical, human, ethical, and geopolitical dimensions of artificial intelligence. From workforce disruption to military application, this episode unpacks the complex ways AI is reshaping leadership, war, jobs and global power structures. Dr Assaad challenges common misconceptions about AI’s capabilities, explaining why understanding its limits is just as crucial as understanding its potential. From code to command, the conversation explores the relationships between human decision-makers and machines. This podcast explores why leadership–and human decision-making–is key in technology. It is poor human decision making and inappropriate use of technology that drives harmful outcomes like inappropriate use, job loss and civilian casualties. It also covers why algorithmic transparency is key to security and why interactive and non-linear complexity are underappreciated interdependencies of AI. Resources mentioned in the recording:Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence: A global study 2025 https://mbs.edu/faculty-and-research/trust-and-aiDr Zena Aassad’s, guest, bio: https://www.zenaassaad.comDr Miah Hammond-Errey’s, host, bio: https://miahhe.com/aboutFor extras, special clips and videos sign up to the Technology & Security YouTube Channel.https://hcss.nl/gcreaim/https://jameshaydon.github.io/nats-fail/https://www.noemamag.com/ai-is-evolving-and-changing-our-understanding-of-intelligence/Tech won’t save us episode How Brainrot AI is Upending the InternetThis podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.

In this episode of Technology & Security, Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey speaks with Carmen Medina, former CIA executive, influential voice in the U.S. intelligence community and renowned change-maker. Carmen shares insights on leadership, cognitive diversity, and what it really takes to build organisations that can adapt to change. This episode goes beyond the intelligence community—it’s a must-listen for leaders across industries where thinking, analysis, and communication are core to success.We explore how to harness cognitive diversity, compile high-performing teams, and make intelligence work for decision-makers in real time. There’s practical inspiration, including tools for understanding external change and evolving internal cultures to keep pace. Carmen shares why representation matters and her experience as a Puerto Rican woman in a system shaped by elite norms. She talks about how her background shaped her as a systems thinker and how she eventually embraced her identity to influence change. From YouTube algorithms and competitive pickleball to the power dynamics within national security institutions, this episode unpacks what it means to disrupt from within—and why diverse perspectives are essential to the future of intelligence–and society.Resources mentioned in the recording·               Carmen Medina, 2015, Who Needs Rebels at Work? Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/oreillymedia/2015/01/13/who-needs-rebels-at-work/#7506efbd20a6·               Rebels at Work: A Handbook for Leading Change from Within https://www.rebelsatwork.com/resourcesThis podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

In this episode of Technology & Security, Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Professor Lyria Bennett Moses, one of Australia’s foremost experts in technology and law. We explore how government responses to AI often focus on regulating technology rather than addressing the human and social challenges these systems impact. We discuss how to centre humanity in legal responses to technology. We examine regulatory approaches, anti-discrimination laws and governance structures to better address the realities of AI-driven decision-making. As AI is increasingly embedded in daily life, much like past technological shifts, its influence may become invisible, but its impact on knowledge, democracy, and security will be significant.Future leaders must develop systems thinking, recognising the deep interconnections between technology, law, politics, and security. Education must beyond data literacy to equip students with an understanding of how different systems function and their limitations. AI is reshaping how we access information, formulate ideas, and tell stories and it is shifting power in ways we are only beginning to grasp. In this episode, we explore the evolving role of search and AI-generated knowledge and the geopolitical tensions shaping the future of technology. This thought-provoking conversation will change the way you think about AI, law, knowledge creation and the future of regulation.Professor Lyria Bennett Moses is the head of the School of Law, Society and Criminology and a professor at the University of New South Wales. She was previously the director of the Allens Hub for technology and has held many academic leadership and research roles related to law, data, cybersecurity and AI. She's worked on AI standards with Standards Australia and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and has published extensively on technology and law. Lyria is a member of numerous editorial boards. She is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and Royal Society of New South Wales, and a fellow of the Association of Social Sciences Australia. Resources mentioned in the recording:+ The Rest is History podcast (BBC) www.therestishistory.com+ The Machine Stops, E.M Forster  This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey speaks with privacy expert Anna Johnston about the evolving landscape of data privacy, AI governance, and security. With AI dominating the global conversation, this episode explores why strong data governance is the essential—yet often overlooked—foundation for innovation. Anna warns that companies rushing into AI without mature privacy practices risk legal challenges and regulatory crackdowns, including the risk of ‘algorithmic disgorgement’. With new privacy reforms on the horizon, 2025 is set to be a defining year for digital rights and compliance. The discussion explores major legal shifts in 2025, including Australia’s new statutory privacy tort and a landmark Victorian court decision recognising a common law right to privacy. The episode explores the links between privacy, national security, and algorithmic polarisation as well as mis and disinformation and tech facilitated gender violence—and why privacy law reform is essential to safeguarding democracy. Johnston shares insights on how privacy reform could fix some of these intractable problems. Whether you're a tech leader, policymaker, or privacy-conscious citizen, this episode unpacks critical issues shaping our digital future.

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Dr Thom Dixon, whose work explores biofutures and the bioeconomy. We explore what synthetic biology and bioinformation are and how much of an individual person's information signature is biological. We discuss how AI can learn from biomimicry and adaptive natural biological systems. We explore the future of surveillance plants and how sensing in the environment will operate and what it might mean for national and physical security as well as how a future consumer synthetic biology app will accelerate the fields growth and reach.The conversation covers Australian biodiversity and potential for functionally useful genetic traits to adapt to climate change as well as role of synthetic biology in climate adaptation and accounting, such as carbon cycling and increasing carbon uptake. This episode includes a quick look at some security threats, including the pervasiveness of DNA data collection (and inability to protect DNA instances), role of AI in mediating information and its potential in influence and interference campaigns. Finally, we discuss the need for policy makers to better understand biology. As we see an increase in cyber-physical (and environmental) systems, policy makers need to improve their understanding of biology and how it interacts with technology.  Thom Dixon completed his PhD at Macquarie University. It explores the development of and use of bioinformation and synthetic biology can impact international relations. He was the Vice President for the Australian Institute of International Affairs NSW. He is a member of the ARC Centre for Excellence for Synthetic Biology and the manager, national security and defence for Macquarie University. Resources mentioned in the recording: + Model’s of Life: https://defencescienceinstitute.com/funding-opportunity/darpa-biological-technologies-hr001124s0034/+ The Substack: https://biofuturesinstantiated.substack.com/ This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

In this bonus special episode of the Technology and Security podcast, host Dr Miah Hammond-Errey was joined in conversation by Dr. Simon Longstaff and Major General Paul Symon. It is a lightly edited panel conversation about ethics, technology and intelligence held at the ethics Centre in Sydney in February this year. Ostensibly to launch Miah’s new book, the conversation was a great excuse to get the three of us together to have a fun chat about the intersections of technology intelligence and ethics.  Dr Miah Hammond-Errey outlined how the big data landscape –of data abundance, digital connectivity and ubiquitous technology – impacts intelligence production and national security. This includes where Australian intelligence leaders and practitioners see the ethical boundaries of data and technology use in intelligence as well as the broader concept of ‘ethics at scale.’ The first 22 mins are the opening statements. Following on, Dr. Simon Longstaff and Major General Paul Symon  explored a wide range of  ethical implications of technology for intelligence, including the distinction between foreign and domestic intelligence,  trust and legitimacy of institutions and the role of humans in ethical decision-making. They then take questions from the audience.  Afterwards they co-published a short article about the idea of ethics at scale and how organisations can manage the increasing ethical conundrums technology brings. You can find the links below in the show notes. I hope you enjoy it! This is the second of a series of special episodes on intelligence. Given the intense interest in the role of technology in intelligence production and Security decision making, Technology & Security podcast will have occasional special additions with a purple logo highlighting intelligence specific episodes.Resources mentioned in the recording:Book: 29 Jan 2024, Big Data, Emerging Technology & Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (30% off discount code: ADC24) Opinion: 18 Mar 2024 Why every organisation should have an ethical adviser, The Canberra Times, co-authors Dr Simon Longstaff, Paul Symon and Dr Miah Hammond-Errey) (https://ethics.org.au/access-to-ethical-advice-is-crucial/) This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. Panel Bios: Dr Simon Longstaff has been Executive Director of The Ethics Centre for 30 years, working across business, government and society. Dr Simon Longstaff began his working life on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory of Australia. He is proud of his kinship ties to the Anindilyakwa people. He has a PhD in philosophy from Cambridge University, is a Fellow of CPA Australia and of the Royal Society of NSW, and an Adjunct Professor of the AGSM at UNSW. In 2013, he was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to the community through the promotion of ethical standards in governance and business, to improving corporate responsibility, and to philosophy.” Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.Major General Paul Symon (Retd), AO served as the 12th Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) from 2017-2022, responsible for the collection of foreign human intelligence. During his tenure, he provided advice to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister on foreign intelligence, was a regular attendee of the National Security Committee of Cabinet and oversaw a high tempo of very sensitive and high-risk intelligence operations. Prior to this, his military career lasted 35 years across regions and distinguished appointments, including leading intelligence activities at the highest levels. He served overseas in the United Kingdom, Israel, Lebanon, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and Baghdad. Paul was made an Officer in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service as Joint Task Force commander on operations in the Middle East in 2005/06. Paul is currently an independent non-executive board member and, separately, a strategic adviser to the University of Melbourne. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey, your host, is the CEO of Strat Futures and Adjunct Associate Professor at Deakin University. Dr Hammond-Errey spent eighteen years leading federal government analysis and communications activities in Australia, Europe, and Asia. She was awarded an Operations Medal. Miah has led and established technology and security programs for Australian think tanks and teaches, publishes and presents on national security, technology, cyber, intelligence and leadership. Her book is called Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted.Hosted by:  The Ethics Centre 

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by the Australian Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, Jake Blight. We explore a paradigm shift in our understanding of electronic surveillance, whether the moment of interception is still the most the invasive point of interception in a digital era– the current legal basis. Or, if digital tech and AI have changed processing, disclosure and sharing to the extent that the retention, analysis and dissemination of intelligence has greater significance. We explore the implications of the "mosaic effect" on public interest immunity cases – and why it can’t extent to criminal law We discuss the sheer complexity and volume of national security laws in Australia, including secrecy offences and law reform. We discuss how powerful–and unique- data disruption, intel gathering and account takeover warrants in the Surveillance Legislation Amendment Identify and Disruption Act 2021 are. We discuss the INSLM review of the definition of terrorism and what it includes, as well as how the offence of preparing to commit terrorism acts have been applied to foreign interference and espionage offences, exploring the subtle distinctions between influence and interference.  Tune in for a thought-provoking examination of the intersections between national security law, technology, and intelligence in safeguarding democratic values. Jake Blight is the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM). He has practiced in the field of national security law for almost 25 years and has considerable experience in independent oversight and review of intelligence and security agencies. Jake was the Deputy Inspector General of Intelligence and Security and an Associate Professor of Practice at ANU. He is also finishing his PhD at the ANU School of Cybernetics.Resources mentioned in the recording: ·               INSLM Secrecy Offences – Review of Part 5.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, https://www.inslm.gov.au/reviews/secrecy-review·               Government response to INSLM Review of Part 5.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 tabled in Parliament 27 November 2024, https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Tabled_Documents/8473·               INSLM Issues paper, Identify, takeover and disrupt – special powers of the AFP and ACIC, https://www.inslm.gov.au/reviews/identify-takeover-and-disrupt-special-powers-afp-and-acic·               Miah Hammond-Errey (2024)  Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (30% off code: ADC24)·               Alfred Rolington, Strategic Intelligence for the 21st Century. The Mosiac Method, https://global.oup.com/academic/product/strategic-intelligence-for-the-21st-century-9780199654321?cc=tw&lang=en& This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

BONUS: Tailwinds and Tensions of Technology for OSINT (presented at Australian OSINT Symposium) In this bonus episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey presents to the Australian OSINT Symposium. Called Tailwinds and Tensions of Technology for OSINT, this presentation identified three major shifts and explored their impacts. The first is how the digital landscape and emerging tech are transforming intelligence. The second is a decline in information environment. The third is the increased environment of competition and conflict, not just in our region but globally. It unpacks these more and offers insights into some of the tailwinds and tensions for open-source intelligence. Addressing questions from the audience, Dr. Hammond-Errey speaks candidly on the roles of universities, the power dynamics between governments and big tech, and potential social media bans as well as the desire to ‘analogue’ life. This episode is a thought-provoking look at the tailwinds and tensions of new technologies for OSINT and includes consideration of how we can foster a tech ecosystem that aligns with democratic values, placing human needs and safety at the forefront. Resources mentioned in the recording: ·               Column:  Lowy Interpreter, 18 Jun 2024, Should Australia ban TikTok? Lowy Interpreter  ·               Book: 29 Jan 2024, Big Data, Emerging Technology & Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (30% off discount code: ADC24) ·               Research Report: 9 Feb 2023, Secrecy, sovereignty and sharing: How data and emerging technologies are transforming intelligence. United States Studies Centre·               OSINT Combine https://www.osintcombine.com/·               To find out more about Australian OSINT Symposium (held annually): https://www.osintsymposium.com/  This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.  

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Connor Leahy, CEO of Conjecture. This episode unpacks the transformative potential of AI and AGI and need for responsible, global governance, drawing parallels to historical successes in treaties for ethical science practices, such as the moratorium on human cloning. It covers the current and potential impacts of AI monopolisation and centralisation of power and what AGI could mean, if achieved. The episode also explores the different risk profile complex cyber and cyber physical systems present for kinetic warfare.   This episode offers a deeply considered perspective on how to steer emerging technologies toward an inclusive, secure and human-centred future. It considers interdependencies in AI development, including the need for more recognition by technologists of the social and political implications of advanced AI systems. The conversation covers the California Governor’s veto of SB 1047, a bill designed to hold companies accountable for AI-caused catastrophic damage, and the necessity for international AI safety frameworks.  Connor Leahy is the cofounder and CEO of conjecture, an AI control and safety company. Previously, he co-founded EleutherAI, which facilitated early discussions on the risks of LLM-based advanced AI systems. He’s also a prominent voice warning of AI existential threats. He recently coauthored ‘The Compendium’ which aims to explainin the race to AGI, extinction risks and what to do about them, in a way that is accessible to non-technical readers who have no prior knowledge about AI.

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Australian National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness. We talk all things cyber for Cyber Security Awareness Month. This episode explores cyber security threats, incidents and response coordination mechanisms as well as the National Cyber Intelligence Partnership and Executive Cyber Council. We also touch on Five Eyes, alliances and the intelligence implications of cyber. This episode explores interdependencies across sectors, highlighting cyber vulnerabilities and the consequences of cyber incidents, such as how a single system failure can disrupt essential services like payroll and logistics. Understanding unseen reliance is important for business as they examine their networks and work together to identify vulnerabilities to bolster national cyber resilience. We explore the importance of adopting digital identities and ethical AI, as well as quantum computing, pivotal for Australia and the Pacific region’s cyber security. The discussion includes the collective uplift across the Commonwealth and the necessity of maintaining robust cybersecurity standards to ensure national resilience. Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness is Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator. Prior to this appointment, she served as Deputy Director Commonwealth Integration in the US Defense Intelligence Agency, a Five Eye position as the most senior foreign officer in the US intelligence community. She has served in the Australian Defence Force for 30 years in a range of tactical, operational, and strategic roles in Australia and overseas.Resources mentioned in the recording:· Risky Biz https://risky.biz · www.cyber.gov.au This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind. In this episode, we start by imagining a future privacy landscape where individual privacy is protected, and users have real agency and choice and look at the steps we need to take to get there. We explore the significant impact of advertising and extractive data economies on our daily technological interactions and emphasize the critical interdependency of AI on vast amounts of personal data. We discuss the challenges posed by large tech platforms developing AI models that will shape future technology products. The episode also looks into the misconception around cookie tracking consent notifications under GDPR and looks at legislative reform around privacy globally. We discuss the growing need for robust data breach deterrence as the OAIC aims to penalise entities for systemic failures to secure personal information. Lastly, we consider the immense infrastructural power of technology and its role in shaping society, highlighting how big tech companies are not just intermediaries but are actively influencing the world we live in . Carly Kind became Australia’s Privacy Commissioner in February 2024. Prior to this, she was the inaugural director of the Ada Lovelace Institute. She is a lawyer and leading authority on the intersection of technology, policy and human rights. She has advised industry, government and for purpose organizations and has worked with the European Commission, the Council of Europe, UN bodies and a range of civil society organizations. Resources mentioned in the recording:· Hard Fork https://www.nytimes.com/column/hard-fork · Ezra Klein podcast https://www.nytimes.com/column/ezra-klein-podcast · Exponential View from Azeem Azhar https://www.exponentialview.co · Miah Hammond-Errey (2024)  Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (30% off code: ADC24)This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by investigative journalist and author Byron Tau. They discuss the intricate and often opaque world of data brokers and global surveillance. Tau, known for his deep dives into complex subjects, shares insights from his book Means of Control, highlighting the potential misuse of large data sets and the delicate balance between data collection for security and the risk of social control. The discussion traverses the evolution of data brokers, from their inception involving public records to the sophisticated surveillance technologies of today. Tau elaborates on how everyday devices like mobile phones and fitness trackers contribute to the extensive surveillance network, often without user awareness, raising critical concerns about privacy and the power dynamics at play. The episode also explores the real-world implications of data misuse in both democratic and authoritarian regimes. Tau provides a nuanced perspective on the Russian interference in the 2016 US election, China's use of TikTok for data collection and content management and the geopolitical complexities of technology in diplomacy. He shares the story of Operation Gallant Phoenix, a multinational effort against ISIS using unclassified data to enhance international cooperation. The conversation touches on the concerns surrounding TikTok's data practices and content manipulation, and need for careful policy considerations. Tau's reflections on the current technology environment, the challenges for leaders, and his personal journey of writing his book add depth to this engaging discussion, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the hidden mechanisms shaping our digital age.Resources mentioned in the recording: ·               Byron Tau (2024) Means of Control , Crown https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706321/means-of-control-by-byron-tau/·               NOTUS https://www.notus.org·               Miah Hammond-Errey (2024) Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted (20% discount code for book AFL04) https://www.routledge.com/Big-Data-Emerging-Technologies-and-Intelligence-National-Security-Disrupted/Hammond-Errey/p/book/9781032485584·               https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/byte-sized-diplomacy-should-australia-ban-tiktok·               https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62919887-the-peacock-and-the-sparrow This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.

In this episode of Technology and Security, Dr Miah Hammond-Errey speaks with Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal. The interview explores key contemporary issues in technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). They discuss the impact of AI in elections and democracies, including the need for stronger local media ecosystems and improved focus on the ‘mediating’ role of social media platforms and the information ecosystem. They discuss the concentration of AI power and reliance of the business model on mass collection, including the need to write the tech stack for privacy, not surveillance. This episode also explores developing democratically focused public digital infrastructure without profit incentives and highlights the role of open-source libraries and systems as part of the core infrastructure of the technology ecosystem. This episode also covers the significance of autonomy and agency in neurotech applications. They discuss how to improve tech board governance, through increased personal liability, accountability and transparency. Also, how many downloads signal has actually had! Meredith Whittaker is the president of Signal Foundation. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the tech industry, academia, and government and co-founded the AI Now Institute.   Resources mentioned in the recording: ·               Meredith Whittaker, link to talk·               Meredith Whittaker, link to reading ·               Meredith Whittaker, link to watching  ·               Meredith Whittaker, link to listening ·               Miah Hammond-Errey, 2024, Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (20% discount code for book AFL04)·               Byte-sized diplomacy (column), The Interpreter, 3 July 2024, AI-enabled elections or deepfake democracy? This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

In this episode, Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by Elisabeth Braw. This discussion explores the decline in globalisation and an increasingly divided world with the West on one side and China and Russia on another. It highlights the impacts of geopolitical rifts on technology, innovation, business, supply chain vulnerabilities and complexities, subsea cables and infrastructure as well as consumer prices and job market changes. They also discuss the tech sector, the role of technology in warfare, and the implications of foreign investments in critical infrastructure as well as hybrid threats, information operations and resilience and national security responses. This episode provides a nuanced exploration of how the convergence of technology, security, and geopolitics shapes our world. Elisabeth Braw is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a member of the National Preparedness Commission in the UK a columnist and author.  Resources mentioned in the recording: ·               Braw, E (2024) Goodbye Globalization The Return of a Divided World , Yale University Press https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300272277/goodbye-globalization/·               Braw, E (2022) The Defender's Dilemma·               Braw, E (2019) God's Spies This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.  Transcript check against delivery  Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: [00:00:02] Welcome to Technology and Security. TS is a podcast exploring the intersections of emerging technologies and national security. I'm your host, Doctor Miah Hammond-Errey. My guest today is Elisabeth Braw. Elisabeth is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a columnist for Foreign Policy and Politico Europe. Her work focuses on hybrid and grey zone threats, as well as the intersection of geopolitics and globalisation. She's a member of the National Preparedness Commission in the UK, and has previously held numerous high profile senior research fellow positions in the US and Europe. She recently published Goodbye Globalization The Return of a Divided World and is the author of two earlier books, The Defender's Dilemma and one about East Germany's secret police called God's Spies. So happy to have you here, Elisabeth. Elisabeth Braw: [00:00:57] It's a pleasure to join you. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: [00:00:58] I'm coming to you today from the lands of the Gadigal people. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging here and wherever you're listening. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea, and community and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: [00:01:17] So you're joining me today after an extensive book tour for Goodbye, Globalization The Return of a Divided World. What are the key questions you're being asked at those events? Elisabeth Braw: [00:01:28] I think the the most frequently asked question is what that means. Uh, what is this standoff and growing, um, disharmony between the West? Uh, on one hand and and some sort of loose grouping of China and Russia on the other. And what it means not just for companies, not just for countries, but for for us as ordinary people. What is clear, I think, from a citizen perspective, is that if globalisation stops working as well as as it did in in the early 2000, which was really the, the peak of, of globalized harmony, if that's no longer there, which is already the case, then eventually it will lead to higher consumer prices. So we as ordinary citizens have benefited from this extraordinary commercial integration of nations of all types and varieties. And now the two of the most important participants in that globalized economy, Russia and China, are each, for their own reasons, not as fully integrated as they used to be. And Russia is, is, is, uh, essentially shut out of the globalized economy and operating in a parallel economy. And, uh, China is for completely different reasons, um, not as hospitable a country as it used to be for Western businesses. And all of this together means that, uh. It will be more expensive to do business to produce the goods that you and I and everybody else use. Every day we will see a return of of jobs, high quality jobs, and and especially manufacturing to our countries at the same time as we'll see high consumer prices. We will see lots of changes ahead. And I think that's why it's so it's a subject that is so interesting to, to all kinds of people, not just business people, not just policy types, but basically anybody who lives in in a modern economy. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: [00:03:29] What do you see as the biggest issues within that framing for technology and security? Elisabeth Braw: [00:03:33] So the technology that we have today is, is, is the result of extraordinary development, innovation, uh, over the past 40 years. Uh, and I'm sure your listeners remember Parc Palo Alto Research Center, which is where a lot of this began back a decades ago. And then from, uh, the late 80s and especially from the 90s onwards, we had this extraordinary rise of technology, which is, of course, so ubiquitous today that that we as ordinary citizens, uh, spend essentially every, every hour of every day connected to technology somehow or using technology somehow. And, and that worked so well because it took place in conjunction with globalisation, borders were becoming less important and almost faded away. Um, we also had peace between, uh, yeah, the world's most important countries and that, uh, of course, facilitated collaboration. So you could be a citizen of any of the world's countries and work for any technology company and indeed do business almost anywhere. Uh, and that is no longer the case. The standoff between the US and China, in particular, uh, centers a lot on technology. And interestingly, tech bosses have been the slowest to catch on to this geopolitical shift because they they have come to, uh, they've had that formative experience in, in a completely integrated world. And I think they just can't conceptualize that geopolitics should be able to affect the way they do business because they don't feel geopolitical. Well, it doesn't matter whether you feel geopolitical. The world is becoming more geopolitical, whereas more old fashioned, uh, or the bosses in more traditional sectors, manufacturing and so forth. I think they've been, uh, faster to catch on to this because they, they are seeing, uh, the reality on the ground. Whereas tech bosses, I think, are thinking that in a shorter perspective. Either way, they have been the slowest, among the slowest to catch on to this new trend. And, um. That's why they're having such a painful learning experience at the moment. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: [00:05:59] The podcast has a new segment for 2024 called Interdependencies and Vulnerabilities. Given its centrality to your w...

In this episode of Technology and Security, Dr Miah Hammond-Errey speaks with Sir David Omand. The interview is an exploration of the evolving landscape of intelligence, technology and security from the Cold War to the near real time intelligence in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They discuss adaptation in intelligence from high frequency radio to generative AI and from state threats to myriad threat actors. They explore the interpretative nature of data and the necessity for analytical skill in understanding multiple possible explanations in both intelligence work and political decision-making. They discuss the importance of intelligence in supporting diplomatic efforts and informing policy decisions, the unique trust as well as generational and cultural depth of the Five Eyes alliance and the risks of politicising intelligence.  Moving beyond the debate of comparative importance of specific collection mechanisms they discuss the real value of diversity of thought and experiences in analytical outcomes in intelligence work. They explore the need for security to be considered within the human rights framework, rather than as separate and potentially conflicting priorities. They cover why the resilience of information architectures is critical – and flows of information are akin to the principles of supply chain dependencies. They also discuss intelligence leadership during technological change, stressing motivation, mission and adaptability. Sir David Omand GCB is a RUSI Distinguished Fellow, KCL Visiting Professor; former UK Security and Intelligence Co-ordinator, Cabinet Office Resources mentioned in the recording: ·               Omand, D. (2010) Securing the state. New York, Columbia University Press.·               Omand, D. (2020) How Spies Think: Ten Lessons in Intelligence, Penguin Books Limited. ·               Omand, D. (2024) How to Survive a Crisis, Lessons in Resilience and Avoiding Disaster, Penguin Books Limited. ·               Miah Hammond-Errey, 2024, Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted, Routledge (20% discount code for book AFL04)·               Miah Hammond-Errey, 9 Feb 2023, Secrecy, sovereignty and sharing: How data and emerging technologies are transforming intelligence, United States Studies Centre·               Miah Hammond-Errey (2023) Big data, emerging technologies and the characteristics of ‘good intelligence’, Journal of Intelligence and National Security·               Cixin Liu (2008) Three Body Problem  This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan.  Transcript check against delivery Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: Sir David Omand has had to date two rather remarkable careers. He had an extensive leadership career in British security, intelligence and defence, holding senior positions, including as director of GCHQ. He served on the UK Joint Intelligence Committee and was the first security and intelligence coordinator in the Cabinet Office. Subsequently, he became a non-executive director, has been awarded honorary doctorates and holds esteemed academic posts as well as publishes prolifically. He is currently a visiting professor in the War Studies Department at the King's College London. His books are Securing the State Principled Spying The Ethics of Secret Intelligence with professor Mark Pythian, and How Spies Think. His forthcoming book is called How to Survive a Crisis. I'm so thrilled to have you join me on the Technology and Security podcast, David.  Sir David Omand: I'm looking forward to this conversation. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: We're coming to you today from the lands of the Gadigal people. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging both here and wherever you're listening. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, seeing community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: [00:01:27] What are the biggest changes you've seen throughout your distinguished career in intelligence? Sir David Omand: Well, two stand out. Obviously. One is the changes in the nature of the threats that intelligence is there to support government decision making. And the other is obviously in the technology. I joined GCHQ in 1969. So it was in the Cold War. It seems a very, very long time ago. But of course there was no internet, there were no emails. The interception of communications was of high frequency transmissions and even high frequency Morse was was still very much in use. And all of that has changed beyond recognition. The fundamental purposes haven't changed. I think of intelligence as the reason human beings evolved. Intelligence was to make better decisions by reducing the ignorance of the person trying to make the decision. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey: [00:02:34] So you've outlined a pretty major change in the threat landscape and of course, in technology. how ready do you think intelligence agencies are for the challenges that we face now? But those coming down the line as well. Sir David Omand: I think if I took the Five Eyes we've done well so far, uh, to keep up with some of the big technological changes, there are still obviously adaptations we need to make and the nature of the threat with the reappearance, if you like, of perceptions of major state threats. Uh, uh, that takes some time to adjust to. We've in Europe, we have a major war going on, but with following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But at the end of the Cold War, the British intelligence establishment, we ceased to maintain the number of Russian speakers and specialists in Russian weapons systems, Soviet weapons systems, which we used to have, and some of that has had to be rebuilt. So the intelligence world, it's always about adaptation, about trying to keep up. I think of it in terms of a dynamic interaction between demand and supply. You have demands for intelligence. And after 911, those demands were very different. They were about information on individuals, individual terrorists, for example. Where were they? Who were their associates, where were they traveling, what capabilities did they have? And those sort of demands for information coincided with a huge upheaval in supply, the ability of digital technology and the internet to supply answers t...