Cybersecurity
Privacy
Definition
In the context of data, privacy is the right of individuals to have control over how their personal information is collected, used, and shared. It is a concept that is both legal and ethical.
Why It Matters
As more of our personal lives are digitized, data privacy has become a major societal concern. Protecting user privacy is not only a legal requirement in many places but also essential for building trust with customers.
Contextual Example
The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a landmark privacy law that gives individuals significant rights over their personal data, including the right to access and delete it.
Common Misunderstandings
- Privacy and security are related but distinct. Security is about protecting data from unauthorized access, while privacy is about using data in an authorized and appropriate way.
- A system can be secure but not private (e.g., it protects data well, but collects and sells it without user consent).