Safeguarding Personal Data: Navigating Technology and Our Human Rights to Privacy in the Age of Information

Technology Policy Brief #89 | By: Inijah Quadri | May 31, 2023

Photo taken from: thedataprivacygroup.com

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This is the 2nd in a U.S. RESIST NEWS  3-part series that examines the complex socio-economiuc issues related to the increased use of technology in our daily lives.

Summary

Privacy, while a fundamental human right recognized in various international and regional treaties, is increasingly under threat in today’s digital age. As personal data, preferences, and activities are routinely collected, stored, and analyzed by various entities, significant privacy concerns arise. From the right to be left alone to the right to control information about oneself, privacy has many interpretations, each with its own complexities and challenges. The misuse of personal data can lead to privacy invasion, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime. As digital technology evolves, so do privacy issues.

According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, 81% of Americans feel they have little or no control over the data collected about them by companies. Similarly, 66% believe they have little or no control over government data collection. Another discussion highlighted that the top privacy concerns in 2023 are data sharing by companies, location tracking, and targeted advertising. These made up the largest part of the total privacy issues.

Analysis

Approaches to regulating privacy comprise a combination of legislation, self-regulation, and technology. Governments have enacted laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) here in the United States, and the Personal Data Protection Bill in India. These laws provide rights to individuals regarding their personal data and impose obligations on businesses that process such data.

Major platforms like Facebook (now Meta) and Twitter have implemented updated privacy policies. While Facebook’s approach has faced controversies with numerous instances of data leaks and misuse of user data, Twitter has taken steps to give users more control over their data, allowing them to choose whether their data can be used for targeted advertising.

Technologies like encryption and anonymization also play a critical role in protecting privacy. These technologies can secure data and protect it from unauthorized access, thus upholding user privacy.

Notable case studies highlighting different approaches to privacy include:

a. Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal: In 2018, reports were released that Cambridge Analytica harvested the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their consent for advertising. This led to a massive outcry and legal actions against Facebook, resulting in a $725 million fine by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and significant changes to Facebook’s privacy policies and practices.

b. Apple-FBI standoff: In 2016, the FBI asked Apple to unlock an iPhone belonging to one of the shooters in the San Bernardino attack. Apple refused, arguing that creating a backdoor would compromise the privacy and security of all iPhone users. The case sparked a global debate about encryption, privacy, and law enforcement.

Addressing privacy concerns requires continuous assessment and improvement. Governments, tech giants, and stakeholders must collaborate to develop transparent, fair, and adaptable privacy policies that evolve with the changing digital landscape. By fostering a culture of accountability and promoting data literacy, we can empower individuals to control their personal information and contribute to a safer digital environment for all.

Engagement Resources:

• Electronic Frontier Foundation (https://www.eff.org/): EFF is a leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world, including privacy.
• Center for Democracy & Technology (https://cdt.org/): CDT is a champion of global online civil liberties and human rights, advocating for privacy rights and digital freedom.
• Privacy International (https://privacyinternational.org/): Privacy International is a UK-based charity that defends and promotes the right to privacy around the world.
• Future of Privacy Forum (https://fpf.org/): The Future of Privacy Forum is a US think tank that seeks to advance responsible data practices in support of emerging technologies.
  Open Rights Group (https://www.openrightsgroup.org/): The Open Rights Group is a UK-based digital campaigning organization working to protect the rights to privacy and free speech online.