The importance of Privacy by Default
The personal data that someone provides when visiting a website or using social networks are the data that these platforms are interested in. They can resell this data, or use it to improve the services they provide, which may, for example, tempt someone to order even more on a particular website. Ultimately, these data generate money for other companies: you don't pay with money, but with your data. For this reason, Privacy by Default is required so that users and visitors are protected against any misuse that could be made of this personal information. It also protects the user or visitor against themselves, because many simply accept that personal data is being processed, without being able to see the real consequences of this. Default settings are not frequently changed. It is therefore best to immediately offer the highest possible protection against a breach of a user's or visitor's privacy in the default settings.
Some examples in which abuses do occur
Not every organization, app or website uses Privacy by Default. There are cases in which it is clearly misused that people share personal data in exchange for the use of such a product or service. For example, by default checking certain checkboxes, unnecessarily having to provide, for example, the date of birth and address details, or keeping track of the location of the user or visitor.
A clear obligation
Article 25 of the GDPR clearly sets out the obligation to implement Privacy by Default. Any application in which personal data is processed must include Privacy by Default. If you have any questions about Privacy by Default, are you wondering whether your company complies with this specific regulation, or if we can be of help to you otherwise with regard to Privacy by Default, please contact Legal Q. We will be happy to help you!