Caveat

A weekly conversation on surveillance, digital privacy, cybersecurity law and policy. Hosted by Dave Bittner and Ben Yelin.

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Recent Episodes

Ep 259 | 4.24.25

Big tech, big trouble, and a dash of DORA.

This week we are joined by Avani Desai, CEO of Schellman, who is talking about what we can expect now that Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is in effect. Ben’s got the story of how a federal judge ruled that Google broke antitrust laws to maintain its dominance in online advertising, marking the second major legal blow in a year that could lead to a dramatic restructuring of the tech giant. Dave’s got the story of a Nevada judge who ruled that "tower dumps"—grabbing cell tower data on thousands of people at once—are unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment… but still let the cops use the data this time because they acted in good faith.

Ep 258 | 4.17.25

The Trump administration’s policy shift.

This week on Caveat, Dave and Ben welcome back N2K’s own Ethan Cook for our latest policy deep dive segment. As a trusted expert in law, privacy, and surveillance, Ethan is joining the show regularly to provide in-depth analysis on the latest policy developments shaping the cybersecurity and legal landscape.

Ep 257 | 4.10.25

Caveat Live: FBI and KU Cybersecurity Conference.

We've got something special for you this week! We are excited to share our very first Caveat Live event. Host Ben Yelin recently headed to the FBI and KU Cybersecurity Conference at the University of Kansas for a live session of Caveat. During the episode, Ben covered the importance of public/private partnerships with Dr. Perry Alexander. Ben and Professor John Symons spoke about the philosophical issues in AI and how those should impact policy decisions. Be sure to tune in for some great conversations.

Ep 256 | 4.3.25

A make-or-break moment for businesses.

This week, we are joined by Daniel Barber, CEO and Co-Founder of DataGrail, to discuss why data privacy should matter to companies in 2025. Ben has the story of a California lawmaker’s proposal to regulate kids’ use of AI companions. Dave's got the story of a reporter's 300 mile trek through rural Virginia in search of license plate readers.

Ep 255 | 3.27.25

When secret plans hit the wrong inbox.

This week, we are joined by Tara Wisniewski, EVP for Advocacy, Global Markets and Member Engagement at ISC2 discussing their work on "Navigating Global Transitions: Cybersecurity's Role Amid Political Change?" Ben and Dave both tackle the questionable and potentially illegal use of Signal by high level Trump officials after a text message got sent to the wrong person.

Host(s)

Dave Bittner is a security podcast host and one of the founders at CyberWire. He's a creator, producer, videographer, actor, experimenter, and entrepreneur. He's had a long career in the worlds of television, journalism and media production, and is one of the pioneers of non-linear editing and digital storytelling.

Ben Yelin, JD, is the Program Director for Public Policy & External Affairs at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, where he consults public and private entities on homeland security, cybersecurity and emergency management policy. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where he teaches courses on electronic surveillance and the Fourth Amendment.

Schedule: Wednesdays

Creator: CyberWire, Inc.