Who’s Data Is It, Anyway?!
Swipe up, double tap, swipe, double tap, swipe, double tap. Exits IG, opens FB, swipe, like, swipe, like. Opens Amazon app, orders a few things. Opens Spotify, plays favorite playlist. Checks email, RSVP’s to event at the Met. On to LinkedIn, reads and likes articles of interest and possible business opportunities. Back to IG, swipe, double tap. Repeats until boredom strikes again and the cycle goes on indefinitely, day after day.
According to eMarketer, Americans spend an average of 1 hour and :15 seconds per day on social media. These numbers almost double when we look at average time spent per day across the world; estimated at about 2 hours and 24 minutes; according to an article posted by Brand & Search.
The reality is that most people are addicted to social media and the IoT (Internet of Things.) We live in a world where we depend on technology and the constant use of IoT and social media to navigate our day-to-day. In a matter of minutes as we browse our phones, we are releasing so much data about ourselves that we are not even aware of.
Our likes, dislikes, what we shop, what we intent to shop, what we listen to, what we are talking about, our financials, our plans, our every move is being tracked by the multiple apps we use and endless internet transactions we execute every day.
Is It Possible to Regulate Data Privacy or Is It Too Late?
It depends on who you ask, I would say! I believe that for our generation is almost too late but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, there’s already too much data out there about ourselves to be able to control what’s being used or sold for what. However; “regulating” consumer privacy data is very much needed in the United States.
The state of California is leading the way in the U.S. when it comes to privacy regulation. On January 1st, 2020, the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) will become effective. The CCPA is a bill that enhances privacy rights and consumer protection for residents of California.
The CCPA provides California residents with the right to:
- Know what personal data is being collected about them.
- Know whether their personal data is sold or disclosed and to whom.
- Say no to the sale of personal data.
- Access their personal data.
- Request a business delete any personal information about a consumer collected from that consumer.
- Not be discriminated against for exercising their privacy rights.
Many companies are preparing to be compliant with CCPA laws once it goes into effect in 2020. The CCPA will affect many businesses from different states with customers that reside in California. And this is just the beginning of what’s to come as many others states are following California’s efforts to protect consumer’s privacy. According to a recent report, there are currently 7 other states that have passed some kind of data privacy regulation including: New York, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Maryland.
Reform and change is happening when it comes to consumer privacy data. These very much needed privacy laws will redefine how today’s top tech and media brands will conduct everyday business.
With a home full of IoT, I can’t help but to be slightly paranoid as to how much of my data and my family’s data is being collected every second of our existence. The ironic part is that if given the option, I still rather take the convenience of technology over the fact that I have no control over where my private information is going, any day!
