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Data Brokers: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

LastWeekTonight · commentary · Watch on YouTube

Privacy, surveillance & cybercrimeMedia, journalism & propaganda

What it is

John Oliver's Last Week Tonight segment explains how data brokers collect and sell personal information, including a stunt in which his team bought data to identify members of Congress.

Why Hacker News recommends it

HN recommends it as an accessible overview of the data broker industry in privacy discussions.

  • 5 people recommended it
  • 6 different months
  • 2 strong recommendations
  • first 2022, last 2024

What HN commenters said

  1. “must watch for anyone.”

    John Oliver on data brokers and threatening congress members.

    praveenhm, 2022-04 · Strong recommendation · in “You can now ask Google to remove your phone number, email or address from search”

  2. “I strongly recommend this episode of Last Week Tonight”

    Overview of data broker companies.

    roneoo, 2022-10 · Strong recommendation · in “Ask HN: Why do we allow Equifax, Transunion, and Experian to exist?”

  3. “I recommend a recent John Oliver on this”

    John Oliver on American tracking and data broker industry.

    thenaturalist, 2022-05 · Recommendation · in “European Commission prefers breaking privacy to protecting kids”

  4. “John Oliver on Data Brokers,”

    Shows companies profiting from data about children.

    mixmastamyk, 2022-07 · Recommendation · in “Ask HN: How to deal with children's online habits?”

  5. “John Oliver may be relevant to your interests”

    Relevant coverage of data brokers selling personal data.

    ethbr1, 2024-03 · Recommendation · in “Auto Makers Are Selling Data on Your Driving Habits to Your Insurer”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: data brokers, privacy, john oliver, surveillance, personal data

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