Data and Democracy – Elections, Manipulation, and the Fight for Truth

In the age of microtargeting and disinformation, personal data doesn’t just shape ads—it can sway entire elections. This episode uncovers how data is weaponised in politics, from loyalty schemes to psychological profiling.We explore the legal limits, ethical questions, and the real stakes for democratic integrity.

When the state watches, who watches the state? This week on DataShield Chronicles, we explore how surveillance powers collide with privacy rights—from mass wiretapping to biometric tracking.With rulings like Roman Zakharov v. Russia and Big Brother Watch v. UK, and the story of a journalist under surveillance, we ask: how much privacy must we trade for security?

What happens when your data crosses borders? This week, we dive into the world of standard contractual clauses, binding corporate rules, and the ever-shifting landscape of international data transfers.With real-world challenges facing small businesses—and a closer look at Meta’s €1.2B fine—this episode unpacks the legal maze behind global privacy.

Behind every fine and enforcement notice is a regulator with a mandate—and a mission. This week, we explore the role of data protection authorities, how cooperation works across borders, and why some cases take years to resolve.It’s bureaucracy, politics, and power—all in the name of privacy.

What’s next for data protection in a world of artificial intelligence, digital nudges, and invisible consent? In our season finale, we look ahead—exploring the EU AI Act, the ethics of design, and how privacy must evolve to survive.With voices from across Europe and stories from the digital edge, this episode is both a warning and a hope.

One click. One gap. One breach—and everything changes. This week on DataShield Chronicles, we walk through the chaos of a personal data breach: what it means, who must act, and how regulators respond.With lessons from real incidents like British Airways and a fictional DPO in crisis mode, this is privacy under pressure.

When kids go online, how do we protect their data—and their dignity? This episode explores the special rules around children’s consent, age thresholds, and the responsibilities of platforms, parents, and regulators.

Is clicking “I agree” really consent? This week, we untangle the tricky legal grounds that let organisations process your data—consent, contract, legitimate interest, and more.With real-world examples from HR forms to health data and loyalty schemes, we explore what’s valid, what’s shady, and what’s flat-out unlawful.

Behind every app, platform, or service lies a web of data handlers. This episode breaks down the roles of controllers and processors—and how responsibility really works when your data moves from one hand to the next.

What happens when the right to privacy clashes with freedom of the press? This episode dives into the delicate balancing act between protecting personal data and upholding democratic transparency.From high-profile exposés to courtroom showdowns, we explore how the law tries to reconcile two rights that don’t always play nicely.