Season 1

Trailer: Introducing IRL
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Our online life is real life. We walk, talk, work, and even love on the Internet – but we don’t always treat it like real life. Host Veronica Belmont sets out to explore this disconnect with stories from the wilds of the Web. Show Notes

Published: May 25, 2017
For behind-the-scenes video of IRL Trailer production, and a bit more about why we’re making this podcast, check out our blog. Episode transcript
1: All Your Data Are Belong to Us
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You’ve heard the expression, “When something is free, you’re the product.” And, while you may think it’s no big deal to give away your personal data in exchange for free online services, how can you know that what you get for what you give is a fair trade? Show Notes

Published: June 26, 2017
Go here for the World Privacy Forum’s list of the Top 10 Most Important Opt-outs.

Mozilla also has a few suggestions on how to manage the data privacy challenge discussed in this episode.

For more on this episode, including editorial commentary, visit Mozilla’s Internet Citizen blog.
Episode transcript
2: The Neutral Zone: The Future of Net Neutrality
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The Internet (at least in the US) is at a crossroads as the FCC is considering rolling back net neutrality regulations. If net neutrality is abolished, the Internet could shift from an essential service that all consumers can access to a product that can be packaged and sold to the highest bidders. Show Notes

Published: July 10, 2017
Undecided as to whether or not you support net neutrality? Check out our blog for more.

Find out how to participate in the Net Neutrality Day of Action here.

You can file comments on Pai’s plan to roll back net neutrality rules at this link. Just click “Express” to write a comment directly into the FCC form by July 17.
Episode transcript
3: Hack Jobs
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Have you been hacked, or been the victim of malware or ransomware? Humans make the internet vibrant, but we’re also the weakest link — we’re predictable and often easily fooled. This episode of IRL focuses on our internet insecurity. Meet the unsung heroes fighting to keep us safe. Show Notes

Published: July 24, 2017
Stay safe online! Here’s more on how to not be a ransomware victim.

And, if you’d like to learn a bit more about the PATCH Act mentioned in our episode, go here.
Episode transcript
4: The Care and Feeding of Your Troll
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Trolls. You’ll find them in every corner of the Internet. During this episode, explore the landscape of trolling online, its impact on individuals, and its impact on the Web. Some people are fighting back in new and interesting ways. Baked goods included. Show Notes

Published: August 7, 2017
Help form a more inclusive world and Web. Episode transcript
5: I Spy With My Digital Eye
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We react against the idea of surveillance, but it turns out that we’ve invited it into our homes through devices like digital assistants, connected toys and baby monitors. Are you comfortable with the idea that someone might be watching you or listening to you right now? Show Notes

Published: August 21, 2017
Struck by the idea that toys made for kids may have prying eyes (and ears)? For more on connected devices and surveillance, head over to our blog.

And, check out the Surveillance Self-Defense Kit mentioned in this episode, developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Episode transcript
6: All Access Pass
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What is life like without fast Internet, and how does life change once a person has it? Should Internet access be a right, rather than a luxury? Veronica Belmont explores these questions as she talks to people about joining the digital economy. Inspiring stories of access are surfaced by members of a small Minnesota community and by a Syrian refugee who found hope in Amsterdam. Show Notes

Published: September 4, 2017
The more voices, perspectives, lanugages, and people contributing to the Web, the richer the experience for everyone. But the Internet is not yet accessible to all. Find out how you can make a difference.

And, find out how libraries, in particular, are evolving to meet digital demand and address patrons’ connectivity issues.
Episode transcript
7: Free Speech, Limited?
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Recent events like the Charlottesville, VA rally have revealed the Internet’s role in helping spread IRL threats and violence. Leaders in the tech world have represented varying positions on both protecting free speech and also reducing hate speech online. Should tech companies regulate who says what on the Internet? Show Notes

Published: September 18, 2017
Freedom of speech is important, online and off. And, it’s also important that free speech not infringe on the freedom of others. Tell us: what can regular internet citizens do to address this issue? How can we all accelerate the pace of change for a more free, civil and healthy Internet? Episode transcript
Bonus: Status Update
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We check in on some of Season One’s stories and see how they’ve evolved. Activist Amanda Werner talks about their turn as the Monopoly Man at the Equifax hearings. Investigative journalist Marcy Wheeler follows the case of hacker Marcus Hutchins, and tries to make sense of why he was arrested. And, drumroll, we finally hear back from a troll we sent cake to last season. Show Notes

Published: November 15, 2017
Life on the Internet moves fast. Director of Firefox Runtime Selena Deckelmann explains why every millisecond matters. Learn more.

And, keep it clean out there. Check out our data detox kit for more ways to keep your personal info safe.
Episode transcript
Bonus: Net Neutrality Emergency
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The battle for the open Internet isn’t over. In the days leading up to the FCC’s net neutrality vote, we investigate what’s next in the fight. We Rate Dogs’ Matt Nelson talks about trolling Ajit Pai with a pay-per-pupper plan. Verizon protesters share their experience on the ground. And the FCC’s Mignon Clyburn weighs in on net neutrality’s road ahead. Show Notes

Published: December 11, 2017
What does it take to get net neutrality? People like you. Find out more about how you can help here. Episode transcript