Data privacy is a big subject nowadays, especially after the Facebook whistleblower incident that showed the world just how easily internet giants can manipulate the world. But it’s not just about Facebook, or Amazon, or Google – personal data and its protection is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from governments and lawmakers everywhere.
Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back data privacy efforts, but as the world returns to a new type of normal, the focus is once again shifted on the Big Data sector. Plus, consumers start to understand just how important their data is and want to make sure companies don’t use abuse it.
So, as we slowly make our way into 2022, let’s have a look at the main data privacy concerns that should occupy your agenda.
#1: Awareness of Privacy Rights
Even though the news and media outlets are filled with stories about data privacy breaches and data leaks, the regular internet user is still not sure about their rights. However, the level of awareness is likely to increase in 2022, due to various media campaigns, documentaries, and discussions.
Plus, we should also notice an increase in users’ interest when it comes to how mobile devices and apps gather data and what happens next (usually the data is sold to various advertisers).
#2: Data Breaches Consequences
Both 2020 and 2021 registered a significant increase in cybersecurity attacks and data breaches. This is likely to lead to an increase in ID theft cases in the following years since cybercriminals will piece the data together and build complete user profiles that can be exploited to their heart’s content.
This trend will turn customers towards the protection of a solid identity theft service, but it will also undermine their trust in various brands and companies. As customers become more aware of their data rights, they also understand just how little some companies are willing to do in order to protect them.
#3: The Need for Competent Laws
The legal environment for data privacy is extremely fragmented, which makes it incredibly difficult to get a clear picture when it comes to rights. For instance, right now there are only three states in the US with comprehensive consumer privacy laws. And while their definition of what constitutes personal information is somewhat similar, there are differences that cannot be ignored.
If the situation continues, we will reach a point where every state has its own definition and laws for data privacy. If this happens, the legal system will be a mess, which will only complicate things in the long term.
#4: GDPR Concerns
The EU is hell-bent on increasing the punishment for those who fail to respect GDPR rules. This means that companies that fail to protect their users’ data and fall victim to data breaches will pay a lot more than a fine and a short-lived stain on their reputation.
Plus, there’s also the growing concern of differences between EU and UK GDPR rules, now that Brexit is in full effect.
#5: Emerging Technologies
Once more, technology is lots of steps ahead of the legal and political sector. While governments and lawmakers fight over how to define personal information, the world is dealing with impressive emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing.
Social media networks and media outlets are already talking about deep fake video and audio materials, facial recognition problems, and the collection of biometric data. These are much more complex and difficult to describe than Social Security numbers, names, and addresses.
Therefore, 2022 should be a wake-up call for the leaders of the world. Data privacy must be regulated now before we completely lose any form of control.
Wrap Up
Data privacy is a lot more than just implementing secure file sharing practices and talking with employees and customers about safety protocols and risks. The world needs a clear and well-defined system that protects online users of both cybercriminals and big internet corporations that make a good living out of selling data.
As our devices become smarter, they will know how to gather more accurate and detailed information about our lives. That’s why, as consumers and individuals, we need to have clearly defined rights and freedoms when it comes to what happens with these data.
