In the News
Protecting consumer privacy is a difficult task. In Consumer Data Privacy Rights: Emerging Tech Blurs Lines, Lindsey O’Donnell at Threatpost discusses the reality of data privacy as an extension of the US 4th Amendment, and the difficulties are maintaining consumer privacy in an age of continuous technological advancement. O’Donnell details the difficulty for a legal framework surrounding data privacy when it comes to new technologies including AI, facial recognition, and cell phone data access.
Our Take
Technology changes and advances faster than most people can keep up with, let alone laws and legal guidelines. Technology has become a benefit for society as a whole, yet continuous complications regarding who has the right to certain data often plague consumers, agencies, and companies frequently. Controversies and distrust spring up from the lack of structure surrounding the use of data both publicly and privately, there is not a solid consensus on how best to fix such issues, but current legislation, whether at a state or federal level seems to be the most likely course of action. While it may seem obvious that companies should also take responsibility for themselves to use consumer data properly, this is easier said than done in reality. As such, consumers must proactively learn about what data rights companies and local authorities afford them to better position themselves to maintain their privacy and data security.
Recommendations
How can you better protect the privacy of your data?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Research and read a company’s data privacy practices before utilizing their services
- Know your rights when it comes to data storage both on a company and legal level