Did Saudi Arabia spend billions on EA Games to get Canadians' Data?
Summary
This episode investigates the record-breaking $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake. Host Gemma Boothroyd explores the geopolitical and national security implications of transferring data from 700 million global users, including millions of Canadian children, to a foreign sovereign wealth fund. The discussion draws parallels to previous bans on TikTok and the Chinese bid for Grindr, questioning whether Canada’s Investment Canada Act adequately protects sensitive personal data from foreign …
Topics discussed
Intro: Did Saudi Arabia buy Canadians' data?
Sponsors: Walden, Zocdoc, Fizz, Douglas
Game: Connecting MBS, Grindr, and The Sims
The $55B EA Games buyout deal details
Explaining leveraged buyouts and the investors
Interview: Prof. Venita Singh on economic statecraft
MBS's love for gaming and the esports industry
Financial risks: Debt, layoffs, and monetization
Sponsors: Fizz Mobile and Douglas Mattress
Sponsors: Walden University and Zocdoc
Interview: Prof. Chadwick on 'Fighting, Football, Fast Cars'
Saudi economic diversification and sports strategy
Saudi esports tournaments and global viewership
Data privacy: 700M users and national security
In-game chat data and political influence risks
Surveillance, influence, and Saudi human rights record
Canadian context: Players, staff, and TikTok ban
Sponsors: Walden University and ModCom
TikTok ban and the Grindr precedent
Interview: Kate McNeice on Investment Canada Act
TikTok's Canadian settlement and data safeguards
Government stance on EA and disinformation risks
Sims censorship fears and Canada-Saudi relations
Deal completion and loss of public visibility
Outro, credits, and final sponsors
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