Privacy, digital rights, AI and the law with Anna Johnston

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.