It has become clear that the regulation and enforcement of GDPR has been effective in ensuring compliance with privacy rules and regulations. As one would expect, it should come as no surprise that more than half of voters in the United States would like to see a national data privacy law.
“GDPR Data Privacy Regulations and Impact on SaaS Companies and Their Vendors,” InfoSecurity Magazine- January 16th, 2021
Data privacy regulations such as GDPR are critical to protecting privacy issues. Importantly, new standard contractual clauses (SCCs) will “require all service providers to undergo a thorough diligence process and enter into contracts that ensure customers’ personal data receives adequate protection.” SaaS companies should understand that GDPR will vigorously ensure compliance with data minimization, transparency, and confidentiality.
“More than Half of Voters Back A National Data Privacy Law,” Morning Consult- January 12th, 2021
A Morning Consult poll revealed that 56% of voters support enacting a national data privacy law. Such a law “would make it illegal for social media companies to use algorithms based on personal data that has been collected.” A federal data privacy law is imperative to combat invasive algorithms employed by companies like Meta (formerly known as Facebook) and Instagram to collect users’ data to recommend content. Hopefully 2022 will be the year national privacy rules are updated to give people more control over their data.
Exposing various incidences of privacy intrusions continue to be revealed. One example is how criminals are stealing what was supposed to be secure vehicle data. Another example is how the Department of Homeland Security secretively utilizes facial recognition.
“Hacking is the New Car Jacking: How to Secure Vehicle Data,” CPO Magazine- January 14th, 2022
As cars become smarter, users’ privacy rights become more threatened. Unfortunately, hackers are able to gain access to users’ data through applications, WiFi, or Bluetooth. Hackers also have easy access through use of wireless key fobs. Users can protect themselves by updating their smart system and only using “official apps from legitimate sources.”
“Once little-known data-analysis office in DHS get heats about facial recognition,” Biometric Update- January 17th, 2022
Data privacy concerns with use of facial recognition technology was one of the discussion topics in the U.S. Senate intelligence committee hearing last week. Utilizing facial recognition is seen as a major threat to data privacy. Improper use of facial scans can be incredibly dangerous, resulting in identity fraud, among other problems. We need to continue to make facial recognition technology more secure and ensure users’ data is protected.