Who owns data once it leaves our devices, and what privacy expectations are reasonable? These were some of the key questions debated by an eclectic panel line up at the session on how world citizens can ensure their privacy in a digital world.
On the key data question, AllTheContent.com’s Clement Charles was clear that the data belongs to us, the citizens, and we should control what is done with it. According to Charles, “It is wrong to think that there is a will for citizens to be tracked.” In privacy terms, he noted that the current balance between privacy and lack of privacy was more heavily weighted toward lack of privacy. This is a balance that needed to be constantly adapted. Consumers, governments, stakeholders need to be educated and where needed change mindset on issues surrounding privacy. “The current NSA issue is the first in a long series showing how the pain of not having privacy is associated with the gain of having great digital services.” There was, however, he added huge opportunity to be had in guaranteeing privacy to citizens.
Panelists echoed the need for a broader understanding. According to Patrick Walshe of GSMA “Devices and users have become broadcasters of data but with this technology shift we have not had a cultural shift. People are not aware of the data intent; how data will be used. The challenge now is to provide people with simple clear choices, clear information.”
With so many new technologies and services appearing on the market, regulation has yet to keep pace with development. “With this revolution and upheaval some areas are a bit of a wild west. We need to see how we can best balance and enable all these new services,” said Adriana Nugter. The panel were unanimously clear that the current privacy status is unsustainable – after all, how many of us actually read the lengthy privacy policies when we sign up for something new, reflected the panel. Simplification is key: “Principles need to be set out in a simple document (for users) to sign off on”, in the words of LLPs Timothy Ellam.
So what is the solution? Consumer expectations of what is needed must be reasonable. A top down approach is required, argued Charles, even on an international level, to safeguard privacy concerns. Trust frameworks, if overseen by governments, could enable consumers to accept certain conditions for usage of their data. What is important now is to create some basis that will benefit world citizens more than it will cost. Current privacy regulation needs to be changed to enable business and innovation to flourish, after all “Mobile derived data has the possibility to meet very pressing public policy objectives,” as Walshe reminded the panel.
Creating the right regulation may be key but there needs to be a careful balance, juggling needs of consumers, the industry and government. The onus for ensuring consumer privacy cannot, however be the key responsibility of operators when there are so many other players now operating within the ecosystem. Industry stakeholders must come together and fostering trust, help to develop a user-centric approach and to create an environment where innovation can truly flourish, for the benefit of all.
Kaynak : 