human has a right to free speech , so everyone has a right to privacy . It is this principle which guides his professional endeavours , which also include managing his own data protection company and advising on cybersecurity .
In the evening , Bill gave a fascinating talk to the wider community on cybersecurity resilience and risks , during which he introduced the ‘ new kind of Cold War ’ emerging between the world ’ s leading political powers ( including China , Russia , North Korea and Iran ) – involving cybercriminals and the implications of cybercrime for international security . His account of this new source of tension in international relations was just as impressive as it was unnerving .
Bill ’ s main focus is on striking a balance between ‘ meaningful protection ’ and ‘ the maximisation of economic and social value ’. In other words , ensuring companies act in an ethical way , while encouraging digital innovation and advances in technology . As the seriousness of cyberattacks increases , and as technologies such as AI continue to develop at unprecedented rates , the protection of user data and the individual ’ s right to privacy are more important than ever . It is people like Bill who are committed to such values , and lead efforts to preserve them on behalf of millions of users around the world . We thank him for sacrificing his precious time to offer us his fascinating insight into the world of digital ethics , touching on matters of law , geopolitics , international relations , philosophy and more .
Katie Melville , Lower Sixth
IN THE PICTURE : ANDREW GRAHAM-DIXON
The prospect of having Andrew Graham-Dixon coming to talk at Sevenoaks excited many Art students ( as well as their mothers !), given his extensive knowledge of art history , and he certainly did not let anyone down . As IB artists , we were fortunate enough to meet Andrew before his talk and show him the pieces we were working on , along with our thematic interests . He challenged and enhanced the routes we had taken , pulling relevant artistic influences out of thin air to enrich our thought processes . He also gave advice in looking to the future – both on the wider scale of the art world and for us as individuals .
Though boarders ’ supper may not have been a usual setting for Andrew , we were fortunate he joined us and gave a talk in the Pamoja Hall afterwards , contemplating Caravaggio and Turner amongst others , and questioning what we value artistically . He discussed shifting the focus away from the subject in paintings and towards the centralisation of light and lighting in its own force . On top of this , he encouraged the consideration of pieces we don ’ t get to see in museums , such as those hidden away in archives . The Q & A at the end was a great way for the audience to ask about their own interests , specifically with Andrew radically challenging our perspectives on modern art .
To be given a perspective into the history of art far beyond what is usually possible at our age , as well as receive an insight into the various sides and dynamics of the art world , was an unbelievably valuable
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