The secret of compliance is motivation. That motivation does not normally come from the pleasure and certainty derived from ticking all possible boxes on a compliance checklist. Although, having said
The secret of compliance is motivation. That motivation does not normally come from the pleasure and certainty derived from ticking all possible boxes on a compliance checklist. Although, having said that, I have come across sufficiently self-disciplined individuals who seem to make a virtue out of achieving the highest degree of data privacy compliance within their organisations. However, this is quite exceptional. In truth, it is very difficult for any organisation – big or small, in the private or public sector – to get its act together simply out of fear of non-compliance with the law. Putting effective policies and procedures in place is never the result of a sheer drive to avoid regulatory punishment. Successful legal compliance is, more often than not, the result of presenting dry and costly legal obligations as something else. In particular, something that provides tangible benefits.
The fact that personal information is a valuable asset is demonstrated daily. Publicly quoted corporate powerhouses whose business model is entirely dependent on people's data evidence the present. Innovative and fast growing businesses in the tech, digital media, data analytics, life sciences and several other sectors show us the future. In all cases, the consistent message coming not just from boardrooms, but from users, customers and investors, is that data fuels success and opportunity. Needless to say, most of that data is linked to each of us as individuals and, therefore, its use has implications in one way or another for our privacy. So, when looked at from the point of view of an organisation which wishes to exploit that data, regulating data privacy equates regulating the exploitation of an asset.
The term 'exploitation' instinctively brings to mind negative connotations. When talking about personal information, whose protection – as is well known – is regarded as a fundamental human right in the EU, the term exploitation is especially problematic. The insinuation that something of such an elevated legal rank is being indiscriminately used to someone's advantage makes everyone feel uncomfortable. But what about the other meaning of the word? Exploitation is also about making good use of something by harnessing its value. Many responsible and successful businesses, governments and non-profit organisations look at exploiting their assets as a route to sustainability and growth. Exploiting personal information does not need to be negative and, in fact, greater financial profits and popular support – and ultimately, success – will come from responsible, but effective ways of leveraging that asset.
For that reason, it is possible to argue that the most effective way of regulating the exploitation of data as an asset is to prove that responsible exploitation brings benefits that organisations can relate to. In other words, policy making in the privacy sphere should emphasise the business and social benefits – for the private and public sector respectively – of achieving the right level of legal compliance. The rest is likely to follow much more easily and all types of organisations – commercial or otherwise – will endeavour to make the right decisions about the data they collect, use and share. Right for their shareholders, but also for their customers, voters and citizens. The message for policy makers is simple: bring compliance with the law closer to the tangible benefits that motivate decision makers.
This article was first published in Data Protection Law & Policy in September 2013 and is an extract from Eduardo Ustaran's forthcoming book The Future of Privacy, which is due to be published in November 2013.
The fact that personal information is a valuable asset is demonstrated daily. Publicly quoted corporate powerhouses whose business model is entirely dependent on people's data evidence the present. Innovative and fast growing businesses in the tech, digital media, data analytics, life sciences and several other sectors show us the future. In all cases, the consistent message coming not just from boardrooms, but from users, customers and investors, is that data fuels success and opportunity. Needless to say, most of that data is linked to each of us as individuals and, therefore, its use has implications in one way or another for our privacy. So, when looked at from the point of view of an organisation which wishes to exploit that data, regulating data privacy equates regulating the exploitation of an asset.
The term 'exploitation' instinctively brings to mind negative connotations. When talking about personal information, whose protection – as is well known – is regarded as a fundamental human right in the EU, the term exploitation is especially problematic. The insinuation that something of such an elevated legal rank is being indiscriminately used to someone's advantage makes everyone feel uncomfortable. But what about the other meaning of the word? Exploitation is also about making good use of something by harnessing its value. Many responsible and successful businesses, governments and non-profit organisations look at exploiting their assets as a route to sustainability and growth. Exploiting personal information does not need to be negative and, in fact, greater financial profits and popular support – and ultimately, success – will come from responsible, but effective ways of leveraging that asset.
For that reason, it is possible to argue that the most effective way of regulating the exploitation of data as an asset is to prove that responsible exploitation brings benefits that organisations can relate to. In other words, policy making in the privacy sphere should emphasise the business and social benefits – for the private and public sector respectively – of achieving the right level of legal compliance. The rest is likely to follow much more easily and all types of organisations – commercial or otherwise – will endeavour to make the right decisions about the data they collect, use and share. Right for their shareholders, but also for their customers, voters and citizens. The message for policy makers is simple: bring compliance with the law closer to the tangible benefits that motivate decision makers.
This article was first published in Data Protection Law & Policy in September 2013 and is an extract from Eduardo Ustaran's forthcoming book The Future of Privacy, which is due to be published in November 2013.