Week in Geek Podcast: Inside the Motel 6 data privacy case, and Microsoft’s AI health investment

Consumer data privacy breaches are often in the headlines, but this week brought different type of case: Washington state is suing Motel 6, alleging that the lodging chain gave guest lists and other personal information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The case raises new questions about what companies can do with customer data, which could have implications for tech companies, as well. It’s the latest example of Washington state leaders challenging activities involving federal agencies.

That’s our first topic on this episode of the Week in Geek, our weekly news podcast. Listen below or download the MP3 here.

Also this week, Microsoft announced a partnership with Seattle’s Adaptive Biotechnologies, a biotech company that studies the human immune system. The goal is to use artificial intelligence to create a universal blood test that can screen for dozens or even hundreds of diseases at a time, all by decoding the information in your immune system.

On the Random Channel: New insights into the circumstances surrounding President Trump’s travel ban, from Michael Wolff’s controversial book, why we love the “Emo Kylo Ren” Twitter account, and an amazing time-lapse video showing Seattle’s dramatic transformation.