Meredith Whittaker on Signal, privacy and inequality in the tech industry

De Balie

Together with Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal, we explore the dynamics of tech, power and surveillance. We speak with Whittaker about her work establishing Signal, the challenges of navigating the tech industry as a woman and the possible effects of the recent American election on the tech sector.

In today’s digital age, technology companies wield unprecedented power over our personal lives, collecting vast amounts of data that fuel surveillance practices and shape our online experiences. Few understand these dynamics better than Meredith Whittaker, who co-founded Signal to provide a private, secure messaging alternative.

Beyond her work on Signal, Whittaker made headlines with the Google Walkout, a large-scale protest against workplace harassment, gender inequality, and unethical practices in tech—a bold move in an industry that often prioritizes profit over ethics. Her experience navigating these spaces raises questions about the responsibilities of tech giants and the courage needed to challenge established norms.

Together with Whittaker we’ll explore the complexities of tech power, the importance of privacy in digital communication, and the ongoing struggle for equity and ethical accountability in Silicon Valley and beyond.

The Techdenkers series is provided and broadcast by De Balie and is part of our partnership with Adyen.

Check out the privacy notice on https://art19.com/privacy and the privacy statement of California on https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.