Tech Girl Energy: The Weekly Debrief

EP25: Meta's Ad Free Subscription & 23andme Files for Bankruptcy

Episode Summary

Join Numi & Harriet Taylor on this week's episode of Tech Girl Energy The Weekly Debrief. In this episode, they explore Meta's potential ad-free subscription model for Facebook and Instagram in the UK—could it revolutionise social media usage or just add another monthly bill? They also delve into the recent 23andMe data breach scandal, raising crucial questions about privacy and genetic information security.

Episode Notes

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief

Episode 25 - Meta's Ad Free Subscription & 23andme Files for Bankruptcy

Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;

Meta's Ad-Free Subscription Model

• Topic Overview: Meta considers introducing a paid subscription model in the UK for ad-free experiences on Facebook and Instagram, following its EU implementation.
• Discussion Points:
  • Prospective cost of £5 per month.
  • Comparison to streaming service models.
  • Mixed reactions from hosts; concerns about social media usage habits and potential user base implications.

Ethical Concerns with DNA Testing Services

• Focus Story: Data breach at American genetic testing firm, 23andMe, leading to bankruptcy fears.
• Key Issues Discussed:
  • Privacy risks associated with sensitive genetic data being accessed by third parties or used commercially without consent.
  • Potential ramifications for users regarding health insurance premiums in countries like the US where private healthcare is predominant.

Wider Implications of Digital Literacy

• Importance of building critical thinking around digital services and technologies among users to understand risks involved in sharing personal data online.

LINKS:

Ad-free Insta: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0kglle0p3vo  

23andme Bankruptcy: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/25/opt-out-23andme-account-dna-data-privacy