Today I facilitated another monthly Zoom webinar for the MediaEd Club of the Media Education Lab, and I was both pleased and amazed to receive an AI-powered “Meeting Summary” (directly from Zoom) following the recorded videoconference. I’m including an edited version of it below, and adding hyperlinks to referenced resources. Here’s the archived recording (47 […]
Today I facilitated another monthly Zoom webinar for the MediaEd Club of the Media Education Lab, and I was both pleased and amazed to receive an AI-powered “Meeting Summary” (directly from Zoom) following the recorded videoconference. I’m including an edited version of it below, and adding hyperlinks to referenced resources.
Here’s the archived recording (47 min) of our meeting, titled “Privacy, Power, and Platforms.” The session description was:
As surveillance technologies expand and authoritarian impulses rise both in the U.S. and globally, digital privacy is no longer a niche concern—it’s an urgent classroom conversation. Join us for this timely Media Education Lab webinar where we’ll unpack the forces shaping our digital lives and explore how educators can help students understand, critique, and protect their privacy. Together, we’ll examine the ways platforms, policies, and power dynamics intersect to track, monitor, and influence behavior—online and off. Through engaging media, hands-on tools, and critical conversations, we’ll equip educators with strategies to help learners become savvy, empowered participants in a networked society.
Here’s the Zoom AI meeting summary, with added hyperlinks. WOW!
Quick recap
The Media Education Lab held a meeting to discuss privacy, power, and platforms, focusing on the implications of AI and surveillance technology in education and society. Participants explored various aspects of digital privacy, including the use of facial recognition databases, data privacy laws, and internet censorship in different countries. The group also shared resources, discussed teaching strategies for media literacy and privacy awareness, and planned future events and collaborations.
Next steps
- Wes Fryer to update the date for Part 2 of the “United States of Secrets” documentary in the optional media links.
- Media Education Lab members to use hashtags #MediaEducationLab and #MediaEdClub when sharing on social media platforms.
- Attendees to register for upcoming events: “Exploring Media Quiteracy” on July 17th and “Our Time to Lead” on July 29th.
- Attendees to consider registering for the Media Literacy Institute at the University of Washington, August 4th-8th.
- Attendees to prepare for next month’s meeting on August 4th, focusing on “Searching with AI”.
- Wes Fryer to add the Wired article “How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance” to the session resources.
- Attendees to provide suggestions for future Media Ed Club topics to Wes Fryer.
Summary
Media Literacy and Privacy Updates
The Media Education Lab held its July meeting to discuss privacy, power, and platforms, with Wes Fryer facilitating and introducing upcoming events. Pamela shared updates about a new AI tool called “Both Silos” (?) being piloted in media literacy classes, which helps teach about media bias through interactive AI-assisted activities. The group discussed digital privacy concerns and agreed to use specific hashtags to connect on various platforms, including BlueSky and Mastodon. Wes announced several upcoming events, including a webinar on July 17th about ‘Media Quiteracy’ and another on July 29th, as well as a paid media literacy institute at the University of Washington in early August.
AI Surveillance and Privacy Concerns
Wes Fryer led a discussion on the implications of searching with AI and the growing surveillance state. He highlighted the increasing control that platform owners have over speech and the potential for misuse of facial recognition technology. The conversation referenced a 2018 TED Talk by Kashmir Hill, who discussed the dangers of surveillance capitalism and the ethical concerns surrounding facial recognition databases like Clearview AI. Wes emphasized the importance of teaching media literacy and privacy awareness to students, while also addressing the need for legal reforms to protect civil liberties in the face of expanding government surveillance powers.
Privacy and Surveillance in Education
Wes Fryer led a discussion on privacy and surveillance issues, particularly focusing on Clearview AI and its ethical implications. He posed four questions for exploration, including how to engage students in caring about privacy issues, what rules should govern the use of facial images, how educational leaders should respond to these issues, and how to balance the benefits of sharing with the risks of living in a surveillance society. The group discussed various approaches to teaching media literacy and privacy, with one participant sharing their experience using the AI4All curriculum with 9th graders.
Data Privacy and Surveillance Concerns
The group discussed concerns about data privacy and surveillance, with Wes sharing his experience managing campus security cameras and noting how AI has transformed data analysis capabilities. The conversation touched on the need for better privacy education, particularly for young people, and the accelerating pace of technological change. The conversation ended with participants being invited to share their thoughts in breakout rooms for 15 minutes, followed by a return to the main session for further discussion.
Data Privacy Laws and Challenges
The group discussed data privacy laws and regulations, with Wes sharing examples of how different states in the US have implemented varying laws regarding image usage and AI technology. They noted that a provision in the recent funding bill that would have restricted AI companies for 10 years was removed by the Senate. The conversation touched on the challenges of navigating different national and state laws, as well as the difficulty of enforcing data privacy regulations. One participant, who lives in China, briefly joined to share her perspectives on the topic, though technical issues prevented her from participating extensively.
Addressing Privacy and Censorship
The group discussed internet censorship and privacy issues, particularly in China, where a participant shared an example of a student facing consequences for starting a sexual harassment petition. Wes Fryer shared his experiences with privacy concerns during international travel and emphasized the importance of teaching media literacy and digital ethics to students of all ages. The discussion concluded with Barbara highlighting the lack of privacy in modern society and the need to address these issues with young people, while Pamela shared a Wired article about protesting safely in the age of surveillance.
Exploring Digital Learning Resources
Wes shared resources and recommended podcasts, including Ethan Zuckerman’s “Reimagining the Internet” and Mike McCue’s “Dot Social Podcast,” emphasizing the impact of books and podcasts on learning and idea sharing. He encouraged participants to explore the Media Education Lab website for additional resources and invited suggestions for future topics, with the next session focusing on AI searching. Participants expressed appreciation and interest in collaboration, with some offering to share student work and engage in future discussions.
