Blogposts with: privacy
The end of privacy through the eyes of trendwatcher Adjiedj Bakas
Today the book called "The end of privacy", written by Ajiedj Bakas is presented. As the title already suggests, trendwatcher Bakas wrote a provocative book on the future role of the internet and privacy. To get an impression of the book, please note this link to the (Dutch) video.
Considerati contributed to this book, as this subject is one the main focuses of Considerati. Bart Schermer, partner and co-founder of Considerati already wrote about the end of the traditional point of view on privacy in his thesis in 2007.
Considerati offers a variety of privacy services, such as Privacy Impact Assessments and Privacy Audits, to incorporate your privacy policy in a way that adds a competitive edge to your business. The link to our privacy page can be found here. Furthermore, we publish regularly on privacy and follow closely the legal developments in Europe in this field.
For more information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: schermer@considirati.com.
Privacy and e-commerce experts debate controversial cookie legislation
On September 8th, the seminar 'Privacy: the current status' was held in The Hague and organized by ECP EPN, platform for internet society. The latest developments were discussed regarding privacy protection in the Netherlands and Europe. The main focus were the amendments to the Dutch Telecommunications Act, which included stricter regulations regarding cookies. The new telecom law prescribes - in short - that privacy law applies to the use of all cookies and that cookies may only be placed with the “unambiguous consent” of the consumer.
Bart Schermer, partner at Considerati and privacy expert, was the chairman and led the seminar during the day. Keynote speakers such as Steve Kenny eBay / Marktplaats and Anne-Wil Duthler, Senator for the Dutch liberal party VVD, shared their views on privacy and cookies with the audience. Steve Kenny mentioned the enforcement of stringent opt-in rules (such as unambiguous consent) might risk distorting the Internal Market and could lead to legal uncertainty as the stricter opt in rules apply on anyone established in the Netherlands. Therefore, he argues for a less stringent approval for placing cookies; 'informed consent'. Anne-Wil Duthler emphasized consumers should recover their control over the personal data they store and she mentions Google's Data Liberation as a great example. Furthermore, she argues that companies in return should actively take care of sustaining their information management.
A clear privacy policy is something companies can work on. During the seminar the use of Privacy Impact Assessments was mentioned as an example thereof. With Privacy Impact Assessments, the privacy risks of products or services can be identified and companies can take specific actions to manage these risks. The consumer's confidence in privacy protection increases as a result thereof. Another option that was mentioned for the industry to prevent privacy problems is the so-called 'Privacy by Design'. In that case, already during the development of a product or service the company takes the data protection and privacy needs of consumers into account.
The seminar ended with a debate on the Dutch Telecom law, with panelists Jitty van Doodewaerd, Privacy Officer of the Dutch Dialogue Marketing Association (DDMA), Maurice Wesseling, policy advisor of the Dutch Consumers federation (Consumentenbond), Jeroen Terstegge and Milica Antic, attorney at SOLV attorneys. Bart Schermer asked the panelists to share their view on certain statements. One of the statements was: “The new cookie legislation will benefit the privacy of the consumer”. All the panelists agreed on this, but also agreed on the fact that the implementation thereof might not be consumer-friendly. Furthermore, all panelists agreed that the Dutch implementation of the cookie directive is useless in an international context.
Other discussed statements were:
- There should be a global privacy treaty
- A broad duty to report data breaches should be implemented as soon as possible
- The privacy legislation is not maintainable
You can read the full program here.
Considerati presents study 'Freedom in the days of the Internet' to European Commissioner Reding
On February 9th, Considerati presented the study “Freedom in the days of the Internet” to Mrs Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Justice and Human Rights. The study was commissioned by the Centre for European Studies (CES), the scientific institute of the European People's Party (EPP). The EPP is currently the largest fraction in the European Parliament and consists of Christian Democratic and conservative parties from EU member states.
Considerati describes the ethical and legal issues that surface when regulating the Internet is considered. The Commissioner congratulated Considerati with the way they managed to explain complicated matters clearly and concisely.
Following the presentation, there was a panel discussion with Commissioner Reding, Ambassador Philip Verveer (U.S. coordinator for international ICT policy), Antonio Isturiz-Lopez White (Secretary General of the EPP), Len Cali (senior vice president and director of wireless and global policy of AT&T International), Mr. Hökmark and Mr. Saudargas (MEPs for the EPP) and Bart Schermer. The various participants underlined the importance of the Internet in the democratic process and the necessity of seeking a careful balance between the various interests involved when regulating the Internet.
The EPP will use this comprehensive study as a basis for further policy development and discussions on their party's position on freedom and regulation of the Internet.
The report can be downloaded here.
About the report:
“Freedom in the days of the Internet” outlines the main dilemmas that politicians will face in relation to the unprecetented development of the information age we currently live in. In the coming years, important policy choices have to be made in the areas of privacy, freedom of speech, intellectual property and with regard to encouraging innovation. The digitalisation of our society affects so many aspects of our daily life that it is not easy to identify which of these factors are key developments that can pose threats or be opportunities for Europe. Moreover, the evaluation of these factors depends also strongly on personal and political beliefs.
The rapid pace of digitalisation, however, make both the call for regulation of the digital domain, and the need to ensure the freedom of the world wide web stronger. (European) Politicians thus experience increasing pressure to develop clear views. This study offers the reader guidance in this complex issue and itemises different aspects in a way that enables understanding and facilitates well-informed choices. In addition, the study outlines the advantages and limitations of possible regulatory approaches.
Presentation discrimination aware data mining
This week I gave a presentation at the GOVCERT.NL symposium about data mining, privacy and discrimination. In the presentation I gave an overview of the risks associated with data mining (most notably discrimination) and the limits of privacy in mitigating these risks. The presentation is part of the project 'Discrimination Aware Data Mining'. The goal of this research project, conducted by Leiden University and the University of Eindhoven, is to find algorithms that do not discriminate.
You can view the presentation here.
