editor ’ s question

Data Protection Day took place recently ( January 28 ) but is relevant all year round . It is a day marked by the ‘ gloom ’ and ‘ uncertainties ’ of international crises by the war , the climate crisis and the economic crisis , according to the Council of Europe .

Data Protection Day is an annual event , celebrated across the globe , to raise awareness around data privacy and protection best practices , educating both consumers and businesses on protecting information online and encouraging compliance with privacy laws .

A statement by the Council of Europe ’ s Data Protection Commissioner , Jean- Phillippe Walter , warned that respecting data protection was weakened this year in the context of international crises .

“ This bleak picture has implications for our human rights and fundamental freedoms , including the right to data protection ,” said Walter . “ In this climate of uncertainty and tension , there is indeed a strong temptation to introduce measures restricting our rights and freedoms and to resort too conveniently to surveillance technologies that could get to unwise processing of personal data .”

The statement also pointed to the fast-paced digitalisation of society and reckless use of technology by tech giants as a key risk to consumers .

Sridhar Iyengar , Managing Director for Zoho Europe , commented : “ Data Privacy Day is an important initiative for both consumers and businesses with an urgent need to raise awareness around the protection of personal data , and it is brilliant to see the Council of Europe taking a leading role in promoting transparent data practices .

“ The data privacy disconnect between consumers and organisations is becoming increasingly concerning , with research from Cisco revealing that 43 % of consumers feel that their data is not sufficiently protected by organisations online . In contrast , 96 % of security professionals believe that their organisation has the required processes in place for ethical data privacy . There is a clear gulf that should be addressed to ensure consumers feel that their data is protected .

“ Collecting data without transparency and the consent of the respective person is theft and such shady actions are completely unnecessary because consumers today are well aware that we live in a Data Economy . In a digital space marked by an increased volume of cyberattacks and a rise in thirdparty cookie trackers , it is imperative that businesses place an emphasis on making their customers feel safe online .

“ Companies must start with transparent , ethical data policies rather than violating the trust of consumers , considering how they can protect this asset at every stage . The Cisco research highlighted that 76 % of people would not buy from a company who they don ’ t trust with their data . It must become clear to everyone that data protection is more than just a feature ; it is non-negotiable and the basis of a trusting customer relationship , which is at the foundation of business success .” www . intelligentciso . com

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