Speaking & Seminars

About Nicholas

Nicholas De Leon is a Senior Reporter at Consumer Reports, where he covers artificial intelligence, laptops, WiFi, and consumer technology. He helps audiences cut through the hype and understand what AI and modern technology actually mean for their everyday lives — and how to stay safe.

Nicholas has nearly 20 years of experience covering technology at Consumer Reports, TechCrunch, Vice, Gizmodo, and News Corp. He is a regular guest on TWiT's "This Week in Tech" with Leo Laporte. He holds a degree in journalism and political science from New York University.

He has spoken at the University of Arizona School of Journalism about AI and is available for talks, seminars, and workshops throughout southern Arizona and beyond.

Nicholas lives in Catalina, Arizona.

Available Talks

Each talk can be adapted as a one-time session (60–90 minutes), a multi-session course, or a hands-on workshop. All are appropriate for general audiences — no technical background required.

AI in Everyday Life: What It Can Do, What It Can't, and How to Stay Safe

Artificial intelligence is already built into the products and services you use every day. This talk demystifies what AI actually is, shows how it works in the real world, and gives you practical tools to protect yourself from AI-powered scams and misinformation. Includes optional hands-on time with AI tools.

How to Spot a Scam in 2026: What Consumer Reports Wants You to Know

From AI-generated voice clones to sophisticated phishing emails, scams are more convincing than ever. This talk covers the latest tactics, explains exactly how they work, and provides a practical checklist you can share with family and friends. Draws on Consumer Reports' ongoing consumer safety coverage.

Who's Watching You? A Consumer Reports Guide to Digital Privacy

Your phone, your smart home devices, and the apps you use every day are collecting more data than you realize. This talk explains who has your data, what they're doing with it, and the concrete steps you can take to protect your privacy — based on what Consumer Reports tests and recommends.

How Consumer Reports Tests Your Tech: A Buyer's Guide

Ever wonder how Consumer Reports decides which laptop, router, or smart home device to recommend? This talk pulls back the curtain on how CR tests and evaluates technology, and gives you practical frameworks for making smarter buying decisions — whether you're shopping for yourself or your business.

How to Know What's Real: A Journalist's Guide to Navigating the News

Deepfakes, misinformation, and AI-generated content are making it harder than ever to separate fact from fiction. Drawing on nearly 20 years in newsrooms, this talk gives you the tools journalists use to evaluate sources, verify information, and think critically about the media you consume.