Data Privacy is at times considered a joke! While this statement might make thousands smirk, deep introspection will make one realise how callous they are in keeping their data or information private, providing access to millions of websites.
Let’s start with the basics. When you interact with a business or service provider, or even indulge in social media activities, there’s a lot of information that you provide from a demographics standpoint.
Also, via mobile phones and laptops, modern applications can pick up physical locations, IP and MAC addresses through fine-print T&C agreements, which users seldom read and provide consent in seconds.
Where does the problem come from? Data breaches and loosely drafted security policies are true deterrents for digital-first businesses, since data is the new oil!
Yes, the smallest of information one provides, along with their online activity, which is tracked through website triggers and behaviours, is regularly collected, analysed and sold online to e-commerce and utility providers to gather high ARPU consumers and display ads to invoke purchases.
Globally, data privacy norms are conformed to; however, it’s been considered that humans are the weakest link, and adherence continues to be an impending issue. What lies in policy documents and presentations needs to be implemented through a multi-tier process and with strict consequences if any slack is noticed.
Furthermore, data privacy aggregators and companies must act responsibly with information provided by users, and seek consent at all times, before bombarding users with ads, and content that can influence users.
In all honesty, data privacy must be a fundamental right for all citizens, and 99 per cent control must lie with the user, while the other 1 per cent must be safeguarded by the government and policy makers to ensure:
1. Free and fair online use
2. Uncompromised experience for users
3. Stronger user-service provider trust
4. Alignment with national and international policies
5. Creation of an interconnected, yet responsible online and offline world
Next time, when you sign up for an experience or service online, remember to ask the right questions to service providers and share critical information, which you feel comfortable giving out.
Remember, for your data to stay private, you need to be vigilant and answerable too! Your actions lay the foundation for a safer interaction on the internet.
Stay safe, be vigilant, and experience the positivity of an intermeshed world.
The Momma Clan 
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