By
Sofwan F. Arrasyid
Africa-Press – Lesotho. In an increasingly advanced digital era, personal data has become one of the most valuable assets in the world. With the development of information and communication technologies, this data is collected from various online and offline activities individuals engage in. Personal data includes a wide range of information such as shopping habits, social media preferences, health records, and even daily locations. Every time someone shops online, uses social media, visits websites, or even just carries their phone, the digital trail they leave provides a highly detailed picture of their life.
Personal data, at its core, offers significant benefits across various aspects of life. One major advantage is the ability to provide personalized services. For example, e-commerce platforms use shopping data to recommend products that match user preferences. Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify use social media preferences to suggest movies, TV shows, and music that users might enjoy. This personalization not only enhances user experience but also helps companies increase sales and customer loyalty.
In the healthcare sector, personal data plays a crucial role in providing better and faster care. Electronic medical records allow doctors to quickly access patient health histories, make more accurate diagnoses, and provide timely care. Additionally, health data collected from wearable devices and health apps can be used to monitor health conditions in real-time and offer preventive interventions.
In business, operational efficiency is also enhanced through the use of personal data. Data analytics enables companies to understand consumer behavior, identify market trends, and make more informed business decisions. This helps companies stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
However, behind these significant benefits, the misuse of personal data has become a serious issue that undermines human rights. Misuse of personal data can occur in various forms, including data collection without consent, use of data for undesired purposes, and data breaches leading to privacy violations.
Data collection without consent is one of the most common forms of misuse. Many companies and apps collect user data without providing clear information on how it will be used. Users often are unaware that their data is being collected, or they are not given the option to opt-out of data collection. This violates the right to privacy, which is recognized as a fundamental human right.
Using data for undesired purposes is also a significant issue. Data collected for one purpose is often used for other purposes without user consent. For example, location data collected by map apps can be sold to third parties for marketing or even surveillance. Such uses not only infringe on privacy but can also lead to real harm for individuals, including discrimination and abuse.
Data breaches are another threat that undermines human rights. Leaked personal data can be used by cybercriminals for malicious purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, and harassment. Large-scale data breaches involving millions of users have made headlines in recent years, highlighting the vulnerability of personal data in the digital world.
Several high-profile cases illustrate the deep issues related to personal data misuse. The Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, for instance, involved the unauthorized use of data from millions of Facebook users to manipulate the results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. User data was collected through a quiz app and then used to target voters with political ads designed to influence their choices. This scandal demonstrated how personal data can be used to disrupt democratic processes and violate the right to vote freely.
Additionally, in 2023, an investigation by ProPublica revealed that personal data from users of a popular mental health app had been leaked and sold to marketing companies. The leaked data included therapy records, medication history, and other sensitive information. Many of these app users were seeking help for mental health issues, and the breach not only violated their privacy but also potentially worsened their mental health conditions due to fears of exploitation.
The misuse of personal data has broad and varied impacts on human rights. Fundamental privacy violations are a major consequence. The right to privacy is a universally recognized human right, and the misuse of personal data directly undermines this right. When personal data is collected and used without individual consent, their privacy is violated, making them vulnerable to various forms of exploitation and discrimination.
To protect human rights in the context of personal data, various regulations have been implemented worldwide. One of the most well-known regulations is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, which came into effect in 2018. GDPR sets high standards for personal data protection, including explicit consent from individuals before their data can be collected and used, as well as the right to access and delete personal data.
Technology companies also bear significant responsibility in safeguarding user data. They must ensure that data is collected and used transparently and in accordance with applicable laws. Additionally, companies should take steps to prevent data misuse, including strengthening security systems and providing users with greater control over their data.
Similarly, civil society plays a crucial role in protecting human rights in the context of personal data. Non-governmental organizations, media, and academics must continue to monitor and expose data misuse and advocate for stronger protections. Public awareness must also be raised through education and campaigns about the importance of personal data protection and individual rights related to this data.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for governments, companies, and civil society to work together to create a safer and fairer environment for personal data. Existing regulations need to be continually updated to address new technological challenges, and law enforcement must be strengthened to ensure compliance. Technology companies must commit to prioritizing privacy and human rights in the development and use of technology.
In an increasingly connected and digital world, protecting human rights in the context of personal data is a complex but essential challenge. With a collective commitment from all parties, it is hoped that we can create an environment where personal data is used in a manner that respects and protects human rights.
Close and synergistic collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society will form a strong foundation for personal data protection. Proactive measures will ensure that human rights remain safeguarded even as we continue to advance in an ever-evolving digital era.
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