Privacy vs Personalization with Joe Toscano, CEO/Founder at DataGrade & "The Social Dilemma” Expert

This episode features Joe Toscano, founder of DataGrade and author of "Automating Humanity." Joe's journey into the world of data privacy is pretty wild - it all started during his time as a consultant for Google, where he saw firsthand just how much potential there was for abuse and how little ethical oversight there was around data usage. That experience lit a fire under him to become a vocal advocate for digital privacy. He's since advised the US attorneys general on antitrust cases against big tech, helped shape privacy laws across multiple states, and even got featured as an expert in the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma."
Our conversation took a deep dive into the complex landscape of data privacy and the unique challenges startups face in balancing innovation with responsible data practices. We grappled with some big questions: How do we protect individual privacy while still reaping the benefits of data-driven innovation? What does it really mean for a startup to prioritize privacy, and how can they make it a core part of their culture? How can companies build trust with their users in an era of increasing skepticism? Joe's insights offer a roadmap for navigating these tricky issues. Whether you're a founder just starting out or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is full of practical wisdom and thought-provoking ideas that will challenge how you think about data privacy.