Thomas Germain

Collaborator
DISC Type : is

Senior Technology Journalist at BBC

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Overview

Thomas Germain is a senior technology journalist at the BBC, where he focuses on the societal consequences of life online, covering AI, privacy, and misinformation. A graduate of Columbia University, his investigative work has had a significant real-world impact, sparking an FTC lawsuit that changed federal law on medical data and prompting Meta to delete facial recognition data for over a billion people.

His recent work includes launching and co-hosting the new BBC podcast, "The Interface, " which decodes major tech stories. In one notable recent experiment for the show, he demonstrated how easily AI chatbots can be manipulated by successfully tricking major AIs into reporting he was a world-champion competitive hot-dog eater.

His reporting on GoodRx’s privacy issues led to an FTC lawsuit that transformed federal law, creating new protections for Americans online medical data.

Personality Overview

Consensus Builder

Good Listener

Fair-minded

They are more likely to go for proven solutions.  Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are. Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them.

Topics They Care About

AI & Misinformation
A primary focus of his reporting at the BBC and his new podcast. He recently demonstrated how easily AI chatbots can be made to spread false information.
Data Privacy
A long-standing beat for nearly a decade. His impactful investigations into companies like GoodRx and Facebook have led to major policy and corporate changes.
Tech Podcasting
He is a co-host of the new, weekly BBC podcast "The Interface, " which analyzes how technology influences society, politics, and personal behavior.

Media Appearances

Thomas Germain - BBC Future. Featured in BBC Future

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YouTube secretly used AI to edit people's videos. The .... Featured in BBC Future

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Is it finally safe to ditch your phone case? Senior Technology Journalist Thomas Germain. Featured in Facebook

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Work History

4-2024
Senior Technology Journalist at BBC
10-2022 - 4-2024
Senior Technology Reporter, Gizmodo at G/O Media
2021 - 10-2022
Senior Technology Reporter at Consumer Reports
2019 - 2021
Technology Reporter at Consumer Reports
6-2018 - 2019
Associate Editor at Consumer Reports

Education

Education details unavailable from Los Angeles City College
Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 17 Location : Brooklyn, New York, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Senior Technology Journalist at BBC
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Insights For Selling To Thomas

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Summarize the key points at the end of the conversation
  • Use testimonials, case studies to show them why it is a low-risk, high-value decision
  • Be visibly appreciative of their actions during your interactions

DONT's

  • Don’t push them to make decisions very fast, let them take their time
  • Don’t give the impression of being unproven or risky
  • Don’t sound very transactional

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Thomas is

  • Relationship and rapport play a major role, followed by low risk and the presence of proof points.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Thomas

  • They are diplomatic when the need arises; they hardly ever say a direct no.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Thomas move?

  • They can take their time to reach decisions, even while they stay engaged and friendly.
  • Can Thomas take some risk or not?

  • They are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Thomas

Personality Compatibility


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