Why Digital Data Privacy Matters

Digital data privacy is one of the most important topics of the 21^st century. And yet, it seems that most people have absolutely no interest in it. On the surface, this disinterest is somewhat understandable. After all, what is so terrible about companies storing your digital data, and using the information to send you ads for products which fit your interests?

Well, if you feel like that is the case, you are not alone. In fact, most of the United States’ residents have completely given up on the idea of having control of their digital privacy. According to the linked article, an astonishing 62% believe that it is not possible at all to live their everyday life without a company collecting their data. What is most troubling here, though, is the fact that this percentage of the population is absolutely correct.

According to a YouTube video published by NBC News, there is really nothing that you can do to protect your privacy online. Whenever you log onto a social media, your activity is tracked, all with the goal of targeting you with specific ads that fit your interest. But as we said, most people seem to be completely ambivalent to this fact. So in this article, we would like to explain why digital data privacy matters.

Laws Exist

The first reason is the most obvious one. Laws exist that dictate how companies are allowed to handle the personal data of their customers. In 2018, the European Union came out with the GDPR Act, or the General Data Protection Regulation Act. The goal of this 11-chapter act is to ensure that customers and consumers have a right to their data privacy.

And the GDPR is not the only act that serves this function. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is another big name when it comes to digital data privacy. So, you see, by storing your data, companies are essentially violating your consumer rights.

Prevention of Cybercrime

Another major reason for why you would want your data private is to prevent cybercrimes like hacking, malware, or identity theft. By violating your data privacy, companies are exposing you to an increased risk of cyberattacks.

More importantly, if you’ve ever shared anything that you would prefer to remain private, these companies are violating your basic rights. So, in either case, it is of utmost importance to join the fight for digital data privacy.

What Can Be Done?

So, the question remains: “What can I do to ensure my digital data privacy?” Well, as we talked about before, many believe that it is already too late. However, it doesn’t have to be the case. You can now make a simple removal request to delete your personal data from Google, for example. You can also opt out of data brokers citing acts such as the GDPR and the CCPA.