Talking Google-Facebook links on 1395 FIVEaa Adelaide

FIVEaa logoInteresting news today that Facebook will start using Google’s browsing history data to better target their advertising. It triggered an equally interesting conversation just now on 1395 FIVEaa Adelaide.

According to the USA Today report run on Fairfax mastheads, Facebook is looking to ramp up revenue as it competes with Google for advertising dollars.

“Let’s say that you’re thinking about buying a new TV, and you start researching TVs on the web and in mobile apps. We may show you ads for deals on a TV to help you get the best price or other brands to consider. And because we think you’re interested in electronics, we may show you ads for other electronics in the future, like speakers or a game console to go with your new TV,” the company said.

Afternoon presenter Will Goodings wanted to chat about the privacy implications. But then I showed him the recent Bloomberg report which described how researchers could use smart meters — the electricity kind — to figure out what TV programs you were watching by analysing the TV’s power consumption patterns.

Here’s the full interview, plus the subsequent conversation with lawyer Paul Gordon from Finlayson’s Lawyers, who called in while we were chatting.

The audio is ©2014 dmgRadio Australia.

Patch Monday: Smart Grids a critical infrastructure risk?

ZDNet Australia logo: click for Patch Monday episode 24

In the first Patch Monday for 2010, a look at the potential security risks of Smart Grids.

In theory, Smart Meters that monitor your energy usage and Smart Grids that manage your electricity consumption should save money and reduce carbon emissions. But do we really want to have cheap wireless-enabled devices connected to our home networks and the electricity grid?

A good mate of mine, security consultant Crispin Harris, is a tad concerned and, as he explains in this week’s feature interview, he’s not alone.

You can listen below. But it’s probably better for my stats if you listen at ZDNet Australia or subscribe to the RSS feed or subscribe in iTunes.

Please, let me know what you think. Feedback very, very welcome. And do let me know if there’s any topics I should cover, or guests we should interview.