Thomas Kent
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Thomas Kent is a multi-disciplined reporter with over a decade of experience covering online platforms, digital trends, and consumer-facing tech.
He has written extensively about internet culture and emerging technologies through his work with Valnet and the Woolwich Observer, where he reported on platform ecosystems, digital behavior, and the evolving relationship between users and technology.
Tom focuses on digital privacy, data tracking, and user behavior, with a particular interest in how cookies, online surveillance, and platform design shape the modern internet experience. His reporting takes a research-driven, news-focused approach, translating complex technical topics into clear, accessible insights.
He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Waterloo, along with a journalism diploma from Conestoga College.
- Moneywise
- The Woolwich Observer
- Hardcore Gamer
- Moneysense
- PolicyMe
- Online Privacy
- Data Security
- Cookies
- Journalism diploma from Conestoga College
- Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Waterloo
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Waterloo
- Mac or PC: PC
- Android or iPhone: Android
Thomas's Latest Articles
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Congress Just Took Aim At Infinite Scroll, AI Chatbots, and Kids’ Online Privacy. What Parents Need to Know
From AI chatbot disclosures to limits on addictive platform features, the House-passed KIDS Act could reshape kids' online experiences if it becomes law.
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$10B AI Darling Mercor Hit by 4-Terabyte Hack, Exposing Biometrics and SSNs After LiteLLM Breach. How to Protect Yourself
An internal investigation into the late-March LiteLLM breach details a three-month notification delay — while dark web auctions and court filings expose the staggering scope of compromised files.
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Reddit's CEO Said He Didn't Want Your Identity. Now Reddit Is Asking for Your ID
Platform CEO Steve Huffman said Reddit didn't want users' identities. Now some users say they're being asked for selfies or government IDs.
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7-Eleven Data Breach: Did You Apply for a Franchise? Your SSN May Have Been Stolen
ShinyHunters published 9.4GB of stolen 7-Eleven franchise application data on May 24. If you ever applied to open a franchise, your SSN and driver's license may be exposed.
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Hackers Broke Into NYC's Hospital System for 3 Months and Stole Your Fingerprints
At least 1.8 million patients and employees were affected. Unlike a stolen password, your fingerprints can't be reset. Here's what to do.
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Your Therapist May Be Using AI to Record Your Sessions. Here's What Happens to That Data
A growing number of therapists are using AI tools to record and transcribe sessions. The companies behind that technology now have access to some of your most sensitive personal data.
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Texas Sues Netflix for Allegedly Spying on Users and Kids, but the Streaming Giant May Just Be Part of a Much Bigger Data Machine
Netflix knows what you watch, when you watch it, and who's watching with you. Now Texas is suing over what the streaming giant allegedly did with that data.
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The Company Helping ICE Deport People Now Has Access to Your Health Records
NHS England gave a U.S. surveillance contractor unlimited access to your identifiable health records. Here's who they handed it to, and what you can do about it.
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Why 275 Million Student Records Are Still At Risk After The Canvas Hack Was Paid Off
The Canvas hack exposed 275 million student and teacher records. Instructure paid the ransom, but that's no guarantee the data is gone for good.
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Companies Are Using Your Personal Data to Rip You Off. Here's Proof
A lawsuit against JetBlue and a Maryland grocery store ban have put surveillance pricing back in the headlines. Here's how companies use your data to set personalized prices and what you can do about it.
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The UK Just Banned Social Media for Under-16s and Millions of Adults Will Have to Prove Their Age
The U.K. officially banned social media for under-16s starting Spring 2027. To enforce it, platforms could require adults to verify their age, raising real questions about data privacy.
