There is a misconception that associates privacy simply as a legal requirement, and by which an organization may mistakenly limit its respect for privacy to what is strictly required by law. However, privacy covers many more aspects than that.
Privacy as a Fundamental Right
Privacy arises as an essential and fundamental right of all individuals, which was reflected in the early international treaties on human rights. Viewed in this way, there is no doubt that privacy is a human and fundamental right for all individuals, representing something inherent that cannot be taken away in any way.
The Challenge of Privacy in the Digital World
In the digital world, where every human action leaves a trace and consequently always generates personal data and metadata, maintaining this right to privacy intact can be a challenge for organizations. However, any organization committed to protecting this information can overcome it.
Privacy by Design: A Key Principle
Among these principles is Privacy by Design (PbD), which is reflected, for example, in Article 25 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union. This principle has now become an international standard in the field, and many organizations commit to structuring their policies and internal procedures based on it, even if they are not directly subject to it.
Implementing Privacy by Design
The Privacy by Design (PbD) principle states that organizations should consider privacy from the earliest stages of designing a product or service. It emphasizes the constant limitation of the data to be collected, ensuring that all data is strictly necessary and aligned with the purpose to which the Data Subject has given consent.
Diverse Privacy Regulations Across the Globe
Based on all these characteristics, a specific regulation may be applicable to an organization, which, in some cases, can also be partially met by adhering to or complying with an international standard for personal data protection. Just as the European GDPR regulation, mentioned earlier, serves as an international guide, there are also well-known regulations such as California’s (CCPA), the United Kingdom’s (UK GDPR), Brazil’s (LGPD), and Canada’s (PIPEDA), among others, which organizations may consider even if they are not directly subject to them.
The Role of International Standards
Concerning international standards and frameworks that lack the nature of regulation, examples include those issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which illustrate how organizations can align with compliance. These frameworks serve as a primary guide for fulfilling specific articles or chapters of regulations, showcasing the organization’s overarching commitment to safeguarding specific information.
The Continuous Evolution of Data Protection
Organizations face the ongoing challenge of reinventing their personal data protection techniques at the same speed as they adapt their technologies based on market requirements. Those organizations that understand and respect the importance of privacy have trained personnel to help them meet all requirements while simultaneously building a culture with greater responsibility for individuals’ personal data.
Building a Privacy-Respecting Society
A society that comprehends the importance of personal data is the first and fundamental step to ensure that all organizations fulfill their obligations. By continually involving the population more in this area, it creates the need for governments to develop and reinforce regulatory bodies dedicated to this issue, further contributing to the privacy culture.
Partnering for Privacy
When you choose SecureAuth, you partner with a leader in data privacy. We are dedicated to ensuring that your data remains secure, confidential, and protected from unauthorized access.