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In an article published in Le Journal du Net, Mané Damjanovic, General Counsel at MyTraffic, shares his analysis of the challenges of data protection in an ultra-connected world. Read his full article below, which sheds light on possible solutions for effectively protecting personal data without sacrificing digital services.
“Protecting your data without giving up digital services: a possible balance
Mobile apps are improving our daily lives, but it's important to know what happens to our personal data and how to keep control of it.
Do you check the weather, order a ride-hailing service, or track your fitness performance using a mobile app? These services improve your daily life with just a few clicks. But do you really know what happens to your personal data and how you can maintain control?
Today, the debate over the collection and use of personal data is often polarized. On one side, there's growing fear of potential abuses; on the other, technological innovations that leverage this data to deliver more efficient services. Rather than resorting to excess, it's time to adopt a more balanced and solution-oriented approach.
Personal data: an already well-regulated framework
Contrary to popular belief, data collection by mobile applications is not uncontrolled. In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict rules to ensure transparency and user protection.
All applications must obtain informed consent before collecting data, ensuring that the user explicitly agrees. They must also be informed about the types of data collected and their purpose, guaranteeing complete transparency regarding their use. Each user has a right of control that allows them to change their preferences, retrieve their data, or request its deletion at any time. Finally, severe penalties are provided for companies that fail to comply with these obligations, with dissuasive fines in the event of non-compliance.
This constantly evolving legislative framework aims to protect users while allowing companies to innovate responsibly.
A power in the hands of users
Often overlooked, personal data protection tools offer users more control than one might think.
On iOS and Android, it is possible to limit application access to certain sensitive information such as location, camera, or contacts in just a few clicks. A simple consultation of privacy policies also allows for a better understanding of how this data is used. In addition, device settings offer the option to disable ad tracking to avoid tracking for targeted advertising purposes. By adopting these reflexes, everyone can better protect their information while continuing to benefit from digital services.
Beyond legitimate concerns, it is essential to remember that the use of personal data, when properly regulated, also brings concrete benefits. For example, navigation applications like Google Maps use location data to optimize routes based on real-time traffic, thus making travel more fluid. Streaming platforms rely on analyzing user preferences to offer personalized recommendations, improving the experience for each individual. Furthermore, monetization through advertising allows millions of users to access apps for free that would otherwise require a paid subscription. The challenge is therefore not to eliminate all data collection, but to ensure that it is carried out transparently, securely, and for the benefit of users.
Building trust: what solutions for tomorrow?
To reconcile innovation and respect for user rights, it is essential to strengthen several aspects.
Informing users about privacy settings and good digital practices is essential to enable them to better control their data. It is also crucial to establish a clear chain of responsibility, ensuring that data transmitted to partners complies with the same protection requirements and thus avoiding any non-compliant use.
Companies must go beyond the legal framework by integrating the principle of privacy by design, guaranteeing data protection from the earliest stages of development.
Instead of giving in to mistrust or fatalism, everyone can take action to better protect their data and encourage companies to adopt responsible practices. Why not start today? A simple glance at your privacy settings is enough to regain control over your data and browse with complete peace of mind.