Members Only 14 page Report [570kb pdf] | Public 1 page Abstract [123kb pdf] | Get Updates | EU SIG

Abstract

As with most discussions of privacy in the online context, an accurate understanding of the issues requires both technical and policy knowledge. The goal of our efforts is not to recommend tools, but provide a deeper understanding of the privacy laws as they are made in the European Union. As this matter changes continually, this is a work in progress. We recommend updating your knowledge per country where required.

Whether you're a marketer, analyst, programmer, business analyst or dealing with personal information in any way, it's crucial that you understand the impact of your decisions on the privacy of your users and clients. The privacy issue should be on the agenda of every company or organization.

In the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, Article 8 clearly states the privacy rights of the individual. The fact that data protection is a part of the Charter of Fundamental Rights indicates the importance of the issue.

As a (web/digital) analyst, it is important to know how to be compliant with multiple privacy laws in different countries. But privacy also involves managing data: analyzing, storing and processing.

Privacy is more than a cookie on a website

The privacy debate has been focusing on the cookie issue, but this is only one part of the complete privacy topic. The main issue is the collection and processing of personal data. The main issues come from these questions:

• What data is collected?
• What is the data used for?
• Where is the data stored?
• How long is the data stored?

When your organization or business is collecting data from their users or clients, you have to conduct an audit and make sure this data is collected according to national laws and stored and handled accordingly.

The full version of the white paper discusses the historical context of the data protection laws, the different legislations and the effect of the different DNT (do not track) systems applied to websites.

Privacy as an USP

Handling and analyzing data is always a matter of trust. When your visitors and clients trust you, they might be more willing to provide information you need to analyze your performance, to provide better services, to enhance your customer care, etc.

Be sure to look for updates on the white paper as the topic and their privacy laws are continually changing.

Join the DAA now and read the full white paper!

Share Your Insights and Knowledge

Do you have information on this topic which you want to share? Please contact Geddy van Elburg.

Get Updates on this White Paper