The Invisible You: Privacy in the Digital Age

A recap of my talk at Microsoft Mumbai with IIT Madras students, exploring digital footprints, surveillance risks, and personal empowerment in a data-driven world.

July 24, 2025 • 3 min read

On May 24, 2025, I spoke at the Microsoft Mumbai Headquarters to a bright group of IIT Madras students as part of TechWave, hosted by Reskilll and supported by Microsoft Azure. My talk, titled "The Invisible You: Privacy, Security, and Ethics in the Data Age," focused on the often‑overlooked traces we leave online - and why they matter.

Why "The Invisible You"?

Every click, like, or location ping builds a digital shadow. Most people don't realize how quickly that “invisible you” can be assembled:

• Surveillance platforms track your habits.
• Marketers buy and sell your preferences.
• Threat actors exploit leaks and weak safeguards.

That's the framework I wanted to expose - it's not just theory. It's your daily life.

Key Themes from the Talk

The Mechanics of Digital Surveillance

I walked through the pipelines: how personal data is harvested - sometimes with consent, often without - then aggregated, analyzed, and monetized by corporations and governments.

Real-World Risks

Illustrated with examples ranging from micro-targeted political ads to identity theft, I stressed that these aren't abstract - they're real threats that impact autonomy and trust.

Encryption & Ethical Tech

I emphasized the role of encryption and open‑source tools as shields. The message: privacy isn't just about hiding - it's about claiming space to think, create, and communicate freely.

Tools to Reclaim Control

I wrapped up with concrete steps:

• Use encrypted messaging (e.g. Signal).
• Harden your browser with privacy extensions.
• Audit your apps and services regularly.
• Stay informed - privacy tech is evolving fast.

Reflections on Audience Engagement

The IIT Madras students asked thoughtful questions: “How can we balance convenience with privacy?” “Is total privacy even possible anymore?”

These conversations highlighted that privacy isn't just technical - it's ethical. And it's about choice.

Slides & Further Reading

You can view the full talk deck here: “The Invisible You” presentation. It's packed with links, visuals, and action points.

Final Thoughts

Talking at Microsoft to such an engaged crowd reinforced something I believe: digital privacy isn't a niche concern. It's a fundamental part of how we live, learn, and connect. If we treat the invisible parts of ourselves as important, we're already stepping toward greater freedom - both online and off.

If you were there, thank you - that chat and curious spirit made it genuine. If you're tuning in now: let's stay cautious, informed, and ethical. The invisible you deserves your attention.