Data privacy is more than browsing history and habits

So much for data privacy! Recently, a news story about Google and healthcare data mining showed up in my Twitter feed. I can’t say I was shocked.

Skimming the story I thought, “And, of course they know I have high blood pressure…I just googled hot wings near me.”

Some of you may be fed-up with personal data collection to the point of saying, “That’s it! I’m leaving my co-dependent relationship with Google, tomorrow.” I can relate. But here’s the thing, I’m the clingy one in relationships. I have a long history of being the picture-perfect co-dependent. I’m forgiving, and almost anything goes. It’s because I don’t like to be alone. This behavior trait doesn’t necessarily attract the best guys. In fact, I’ve dated some pretty rotten apples who used my co-dependence as a way to mess with my head. Ultimately, I gave them my self-worth.

Particularly, “those” kinds of guys often breached my privacy as a means to exploit my vulnerabilities and control my actions.

To respect privacy is to build trust

Thankfully, I learned that they were behaving unethically, and it was completely within my power to take back control of my life.

However, fast forward a couple of years, and it hit me today.

My relationship with Google and other AI machines is like my proclivity toward narcissistic, controlling, partners.

But as with all co-dependent relationships, it’s difficult to determine which comes first, the victim or the victimizer. I used Alexa. Alexa used me. When did all of this suddenly result in me feeling violated?

Yet, it isn’t just Google or Amazon.

It’s about every large corporation and government who knows more about data collection and privacy than we do.

Thus, my attempt to help you take back your power by providing the answers to some basic questions about data privacy.

5 questions to begin exploring your relationship with data:

What is data privacy?

Data privacy is a critical issue in today’s interconnected world. With the increasing amount of personal information being stored in databases, it is essential to understand the importance of protecting data privacy. Data privacy can be defined as the right of an individual to control their personal information and how it is used.

Privacy concerns encompass various types of personal information, including names, addresses, financial information, and medical records. It is essential to protect all types of personal data to prevent identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities.

What is the difference between data privacy and protection?

Data privacy and data protection are closely related concepts. Data privacy refers to an individual’s right to control their personal information, while data protection focuses on safeguarding personal data from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. Both concepts are crucial for ensuring data privacy and security.

Data protection policies and privacy policies are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. A data protection policy focuses on how personal data is collected, stored, and processed. In contrast, a privacy policy explains how personal information is used, shared, and protected. While they have different objectives, both policies are crucial for ensuring data privacy and security.

Data protection storage is the process of safeguarding personal data through various security measures. These measures can include encryption, firewalls, access controls, and regular backups. Protecting data is essential as it prevents unauthorized access, theft, or loss of sensitive information.

What is the most likely data privacy exploit?

One of the most significant data privacy issues is unauthorized database access. Data breaches occur when sensitive information is stolen or leaked from a system or database. These incidents can have significant consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liability. For example, in 2019, Capital One experienced a data breach that affected over 100 million customers. That breach resulted in the theft of personal information, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers.

Who should be held accountable for data privacy and protection?

The responsibility for data privacy falls on individuals and organizations alike. Individuals have a right to control their personal information, and organizations must ensure that personal data is collected, processed, and stored in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Organizations must take steps to protect data privacy, such as implementing access controls, encryption, and regular audits.

Ask not what your data can do for you, but what you can do for your data!

Data privacy laws are meant to protect our data. But akin to the laws and enforcement on verbally abusive relationships which are often a result of co-dependency, you can only press charges if there is physical abuse–visible bruises. There is less to be said about the shades of grey when it comes to nuanced behavior analytics and consumer targeted campaigns (both product and political).

Yes, there’s a thin line between having a bad day (Ooops! We leaked your data) and exploiting someone’s vulnerability (We saw you tweeze your chin hair, now we’re going to serve you ads about laser hair removal)—but in contrast to the massive data spills, many more are turning a blind eye to data we give them by “consent.”

Nonetheless, maintaining data privacy remains critical for protecting individuals’ rights and preventing misuse of personal information. It is important to keep customer data secure to build trust with customers and maintain a good reputation. Businesses can protect data privacy by implementing data protection policies, regularly auditing their security systems, and providing employee training on best practices.

What are some of the most pivotal data privacy laws?

Data privacy has become a global concern, with international laws being established to protect personal information. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are examples of international regulations that govern data privacy. These laws provide individuals with more control over their personal data and require organizations to take measures to protect their data privacy.

Don’t get me wrong–things started out really great with Google. It was a free market of sorts. Small businesses could organically game the SEO system, big corporations could pay for big ads, and the general population could get smarter with what I would once call undiluted search results.

But before I knew it, I just kept my mouth shut when Google ads about Spanx popped up on my phone in public while riding the escalator. I hid in shame when I started getting Kentucky Fried Chicken popups just because I shared that one craving over text to my friend.

True love is worth the wait

In conclusion, I really don’t see a way out. And I’m not sure I want out.

Data co-dependency is not an easy issue to tackle but it’s essential we advocate for those who
don’t understand the long-term implications of staying in a cleverly awful relationship. Some of
you have already drawn your line in the sand and currently use purported private search engines like
DuckDuckGo.

You’ve grown up, gotten stronger, and realized your privacy is something important to be guarded. You’ve found your voice and now refuse to believe you can’t make it out there on your own. You’re a lone wolf who’s learned to forsake relationships that only exist at the expense of your privacy.

My hope for you is that true love finally rewards your wait…that in the near future you enter a healthy
relationship with data, based on a mutual connection of ease you never dreamed possible.

I hope one day, data tells you exactly what you want and need to hear, without an ulterior motive.

P.S. I still love google.

Conclusion

In conclusion, protecting data privacy is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Organizations must take proactive measures to protect personal data, including implementing access controls, encryption, and regular audits. Individuals also have a responsibility to control their personal information and demand accountability from organizations that collect and store their data. By working together, we can ensure that data privacy is protected, and personal information is safeguarded.

Do you love technology? Read more.

**Article written with the assistance of AI.

LoveLifeLinks.com believes data is capable of a loving relationship characterized by mutuality and respect.

Remember, you can feel love anywhere, anytime, all the time.