A show where we explore the world of information law and governance; from privacy and AI to cybersecurity and freedom of information.
In each episode we will be speaking with experts and practitioners to unpack the big issues shaping the IG profession.
The WASPI Code of Conduct for Information Sharing Protocols
In episode 18, we spoke to Professor Mark Mon-Williams about the concept of connected data: how bringing information together can deliver joined-up public services and improve outcomes for children and young people. That leads to a practical question: how do organisations share information in a way, which is fair, lawful and transparent?. This episode looks at the governance mechanisms required that can turn the promise of connected data into better services and better outcomes. Having data i...
30 Sept 2026
Connected Data: A New Approach to Information Sharing
How can we make better use of the information already held about children to improve their lives? That is the question explored in the latest episode of the Guardians of Data podcast. Ibrahim Hasan is joined by Professor Mark Mon-Williams, who holds a Chair in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Leeds, and is Professor of Psychology at the Bradford Institute of Health Research. Mark argues that children and families do not fit neatly into the organisational silos in which public service...
16 Sept 2026
FOI and Transparency in Practice
In the UK, Freedom of Information laws are now more than 20 years old. If you want to understand how they have impacted the way government operates, there are plenty of clues in the news headlines over the last few years; from the Covid Inquiry to the Peter Mandleson affair and the release of the Epstein files. In this podcast we are joined by Dr Ben Worthy, a Reader in Politics and Public Policy at Birkbeck College, University of London. Ben has written extensively on issues around Transpare...
2 Sept 2026
Employee Surveillance Without Losing Trust
In this episode we discuss workplace monitoring of employees. Employers have always made use of the latest technology to monitor employees. In the past this would have involved things like CCTV and telephone monitoring and vehicle tracking. But new technologies, particularly AI, are taking employee surveillance to another level. Employers can now collect much more detailed information about what employees do, where they are and how they work. This is increasingly being used, with AI and algor...
19 Aug 2026
Analysing Human Relationships with AI Chatbots
In recent years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in the way people use AI chatbots. They are no longer simply tools for answering questions or writing emails. Many people are entering into deep conversations with the likes of ChatGPT and Claude often forming emotional and even romantic relationships with them. Last year’s controversy surrounding GPT-4o was a striking example: that particular model’s unusually agreeable and flattering responses to user queries raised concerns about AI reinforcin...
5 Aug 2026
Handling AI Generated Information Requests
If your organisation is being overloaded with AI generated Freedom of Information requests or GDPR Subject Access Requests (SARs) this podcast episode is for you. Some would say AI has democratised and powered access to information. Large Language Models, like ChatGPT and Claude, can produce ‘perfectly written’ FOI requests and SARs at the touch of a button. But these are causing problems for over worked information governance departments. Not only are more requests coming through; the...
22 Jul 2026
Managing Workplace Data Protection Risks
The biggest data protection challenges facing organisations do not stem solely from cyber-attacks or AI deployment; they also arise from employees. Sometimes it’s from an innocent mistake; an email sent to the wrong person, confidential information shared inadvertently or a document uploaded to the wrong system. In other cases, the issues are more serious; employees accessing information they have no business looking at, taking confidential data when they leave, or deliberately misusing perso...
8 Jul 2026
The Hidden Algorithms Behind Modern Policing
In this episode we discuss something that sounds like science fiction, but is already part of everyday policing in the UK; predictive policing. These are tools that use data and algorithms to help the police forecast crime, where it might happen and sometimes who might be involved. The idea is to use resources efficiently and cut crime. And there are reports that councils are also starting to use these systems (The Think Family Database.) But a recent report by Amnesty International, “Automat...
24 Jun 2026
The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity
In this episode we discuss how AI is reshaping trust, identity, cybersecurity, and organisational accountability. In recent weeks, governments, regulators and cyber security professionals have been gripped by the emergence of Mythos, the powerful AI model developed by Anthropic. Touted as capable of identifying software vulnerabilities at a level that rivals some of the world's most skilled human researchers, the model has generated excitement, concern and intense debate. A...
10 Jun 2026
Beyond GDPR: The Real Purpose of Data Protection
This episode is a fascinating and deeply human conversation with one of the most thoughtful voices in the world of privacy and information governance. Emma Martins served as Data Protection Commissioner for the Bailiwick of Guernsey for over a decade. In our conversation, Emma reminds us that data protection is about far more than compliance checklists, privacy notices, or subject access requests. At its core, data protection is about people, power, democracy and human dignity. We explo...
27 May 2026
Inside FOI Journalism
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) is an essential tool for the journalist seeking to hold public institutions to account. But for those handling FOI requests from journalists, the challenge is to balance minimising the resource burden on the organisation with maintaining openness and transparency. This requires a good understanding of the journalist’s motivation, tactics and pressures. In this episode we are joined by Martin Rosenbaum. Martin spent 16 years at the BBC as the organisat...
13 May 2026
Government Plans for Children's Data
Children today are growing up in a world where almost everything they do leaves a data trail. From the apps they use, to the schools they attend and the healthcare they receive; data is being collected, analysed and increasingly connected and shared. But at what cost? Recent Government proposals mean that this question is more important than ever. The Schools White Paper and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 have major implications for children’s privacy; from age verification to ...
29 Apr 2026
Building Trustworthy and Responsible AI Systems
“Information governance professionals are the bedrock for deploying good governance of AI. We need to be there at the start of the actual thinking process.” Tahir Latif, Global Practice Lead for Data Privacy & Responsible AI at Cognizant In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest questions of our time: How do we build trustworthy and responsible AI systems? To help us answer this question, we are joined by someone who’s right at the heart of the conversation. Tahir Latif is a d...
15 Apr 2026
Filming the Public for Social Media
Think about the last time you walked down a busy street, sat in a pub or queued for a train. Now imagine that moment - completely ordinary to you - being filmed by a stranger, uploaded to TikTok or YouTube and watched by millions. Maybe it’s monetised; maybe it’s mocked. One thing is for sure though, it never disappears. Filming people in public has now become second nature for some. But what happens when those images are shared, edited and turned into social media content? Can you stop someo...
1 Apr 2026
How to Succeed as an IG Leader
In information governance, there is no substitute for learning from those who have walked the path before us. Experienced IG leaders bring a wealth of knowledge from years at the frontline of data protection and information rights. By sharing their stories, lessons learned and practical advice, they help both new starters and seasoned professionals grow in confidence, strengthen their practice and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. In this episode we are joined by Raz Edwards, Head of Da...
18 Mar 2026
Lessons from Cyber Breaches
Every week we read about organisations being hacked, held to ransom or their data being stolen. And the breakout of war in the Middle East has significantly increased the risk of cyber-attack. In this podcast we talk about cyber security through the lens of the recent cyberattacks on major UK retailers. In just the past few months, household names like, Jaguar Land Rover, Gucci, Marks & Spencer and Co-op have suffered significant disruptions from ransomware and other cyber incidents. Thes...
4 Mar 2026
Transparency and FOI: 20 Years On
In the past few weeks, we have had a stark reminder of why transparency in public life is a democratic necessity. The US Government’s release of millions of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has triggered, amongst other things, the arrest of the King’s brother, the sacking and subsequent arrest of a former Government minister, political jeopardy for the Prime Minister and questions about the future of the British monarchy. In Episode 3, our guest is Maurice Frankel O...
18 Feb 2026
The Grok AI Controversy
Welcome to episode 2 of the Guardians of Data podcast. This is a show where we explore the world of information law and information governance - from privacy and AI to cybersecurity and freedom of information. In each episode we will be speaking with experts and practitioners to unpack the big issues shaping the IG profession. Over the past few weeks, one AI tool has become the centre of an international controversy. Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI and integrated into the so...
4 Feb 2026
In Conversation with Jon Baines
Welcome to the first episode of Guardians of Data, brought to you by Act Now Training. This is the show where we explore the world of information law and information governance - from privacy and AI to cybersecurity and freedom of information. We also talk to experienced IG leaders who have spent years at the frontline of data protection and information rights. In this first episode we are joined by Jon Baines, a Senior Data Protection Specialist at Mishcon de Reya LLP where he ad...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Guardians of Data
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Guardians of Data?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
