DiscoverBanish Big Brother
Banish Big Brother

Banish Big Brother

Author: Zach Varnell, Elizabeth Melton

Subscribed: 1Played: 1
Share

Description

Join hosts Elizabeth and Zach as they embark on a thought-provoking journey through the labyrinth of privacy, technology, surveillance, and the digital age's unseen battles. Banish Big Brother isn't just another podcast; it's a mission to unravel the complex web of information that surrounds us, challenge the omnipresent eyes of surveillance, advocate for the sanctity of personal privacy in a world that's growing increasingly transparent, and have fun doing it.

Each episode, Elizabeth and Zach dive deep into current events, technological advancements, and the shadowy realms of surveillance and privacy. They bring to light the critical issues that affect us all, from the rise of SMART cities to the subtle encroachments on our personal freedoms. Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and listener stories, they explore the balance between the benefits of technology and the critical need to protect our digital and real-world selves from prying eyes.

But it's not all serious business. Elizabeth and Zach also bring a unique blend of humor, wit, and light-heartedness to the conversation, reminding us that even in the midst of challenging topics, there's always room for laughter, fun, and a shared sense of community.

Banish Big Brother promises not just to inform and provoke thought but also to entertain, proving that discussions around privacy and surveillance don't always have to be grim. Whether they're sharing quirky anecdotes, engaging in spirited banter, or exploring the lighter side of technology, Elizabeth and Zach create a podcast experience that’s both enlightening and enjoyable.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, privacy advocate, or just curious about the world of surveillance and digital rights, Banish Big Brother is your guide and companion. So tune in, join the conversation, and be part of a growing movement that believes in the power of awareness, the importance of dialogue, and the enduring value of privacy.

Join us for a mix of meaningful dialogue, expert insights, and those unexpected moments of joy that remind us why fighting for our rights is worth it.
22 Episodes
Reverse
UnitedHealthcare faces allegations of using an AI model with a 90% error rate to deny care, forcing elderly patients into financial ruin. Meanwhile, drone detection technology meant for border security raises serious questions about its potential for tracking human behavior. And the push for a U.S. surveillance “Iron Dome” signals a massive expansion in monitoring […]
Federal surveillance towers are quietly rising along the U.S.-Canada border, equipped with cameras and sensors capable of monitoring miles of private property. AI is becoming a tool for law enforcement, with implications for public safety, privacy, and even your daily life. Meanwhile, a new app claims to predict your exact time of death based on […]
A DNA testing company disappears, leaving customers’ genetic data unprotected—what are the risks? Australia proposes a social media age ban with digital ID verification for everyone. Is this a step toward surveillance or safety? We also examine the legal fight against Clearview AI’s data scraping and discuss how AI-generated art and music are shaping the […]
A mother in Georgia faces jail time after allowing her 10-year-old son to walk to town alone, sparking a heated debate over parental rights, government overreach, and the role of technology in family life. We dive into the absurdity of mandated tracking apps, the fear-driven policies affecting modern parenting, and the organizations fighting back. Plus, […]
JD Vance’s phone breach by Chinese hackers highlights the inherent danger of so-called “backdoor” security measures intended for government use. This episode dives into the revelations surrounding how backdoors, originally designed for surveillance by U.S. agencies, can be exploited by foreign entities, proving once again that there’s no such thing as a “backdoor for the […]
TSA’s new facial recognition system is here, and Zach shares his recent experience opting out of it with ease. We dive into how to protect your privacy during routine travel and why so few people realize they can opt out. Next, we cover mesh network radios and Zach’s experience using Mesh-tastic devices at a packed […]
UK chicken owners have to register their birds—and pranksters were ready to troll. From roast chickens crashing government websites to the absurd penalties for non-compliance, civil disobedience takes a hilarious turn. We also dive into AI, from robots bartending to AI-generated art confusing the internet. Plus, how AI feedback loops could degrade search results. Finally, […]
We unpack how cutting-edge technology is reshaping our reality. From AI chatbots eerily professing love to users, to facial recognition tools that can identify strangers on the street, this episode dives into the unsettling ways tech is pushing the boundaries of personal privacy. Plus, we explore how governments and companies may be using backdoor methods […]
Oracle’s Larry Ellison envisions a future where AI monitors everything—from police body cams to autonomous drones. But does more surveillance mean more safety, or is it paving the way for abuse of power? Zach and Elizabeth break down the risks of centralized control, discuss the dangers of relying on AI to solve human problems, and […]
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach and Elizabeth delve into the unsettling realities of modern surveillance and privacy erosion. They kick off with a discussion about a shocking leak suggesting that our phones might actually be listening to our conversations. Highlighting a pitch deck from Cox Media Group, they explore how active […]
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, Zach and Elizabeth dive into the indictment of Telegram founder Pavel Durov and what it means for tech companies being held responsible for users’ actions. They also discuss Atlanta’s new security robot patrols and the eerie rise of robotic surveillance in neighborhoods. Finally, they explore a U.S. government-funded […]
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, Zach and Elizabeth dive into the latest unsettling news on the surveillance front. From Ford’s new patent that could turn police cars into mobile speed traps to the dystopian rise of facial recognition vans in the UK, they discuss the implications for personal freedom and privacy. The conversation […]
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, Zach and Elizabeth dive into the latest developments in surveillance technology and its implications for personal freedom. They discuss the NFL’s controversial decision to implement facial recognition across all 30 stadiums, exploring what this means for fans, employees, and the future of privacy at major events. The conversation […]
Welcome to another episode of Banish Big Brother with Zach and Elizabeth. Today we talk about JD Vance and his sketchy ties to the surveillance state, some Lord of the Rings, mass spying programs that make us sad, and something small you can do to help push back. BanishBigBrother.com
Welcome to another exciting episode of Banish Big Brother! This week, hosts Zach and Elizabeth dive into the rising AI surveillance at the Paris Olympics and the implications for privacy and civil liberties. They discuss the ease of breaking into smartphones and what this means for personal security. Zach and Elizabeth also explore the futuristic […]
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive deep into the unsettling intersections of AI and modern society. They explore the rise of AI candidates in political races, the increasing use of deepfakes in campaigns, and the chilling advent of autonomous killer drones. The duo also discusses the invasive […]
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive into the complex world of AI, discussing whether AI has lived up to its promises or turned out to be a disappointment. They explore the rise of decision-making AI, also known as agentive AI, and debate the possibility of a privacy-respecting […]
In this episode of Banish Big Brother, hosts Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive into the latest in surveillance technology and its implications. We kick off with an intriguing job opportunity at IKEA’s new virtual store in Roblox, paying real-world wages for digital work. From there, we discuss the expanding surveillance reach into everyday life, […]
In this episode, we dive into the latest developments in smart home technology and AI. We start with Apple’s integration of ChatGPT into its operating system and Elon Musk’s outspoken opposition. We discuss a shocking incident where a Roomba captured a private photo of a woman on the toilet, which then ended up online. We’ll […]
In this episode of Banished Big Brother, Zach Varnell and Elizabeth Melton dive into some of the most intriguing and alarming stories in the world of AI and surveillance. First, they dissect a convincing AI-driven hoax involving a supposed head transplant system, highlighting the fine line between science fiction and reality. They then explore the […]
loading