Privacy, especially online, is a constantly evolving domain. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it seems inevitable that privacy would follow suit. This article explores where we might be headed in terms of privacy in the future, with inputs from industry insights, expert predictions, and current technological trends.
The Increasing Importance of Privacy
There’s no doubt that privacy will continue to be a major concern for consumers, businesses, and policymakers in the future. We’re sharing more data than ever before, with an estimated 1.7MB of data created per person per second by the end of 2020 according to Domo’s Data Never Sleeps report.
„Data really powers everything that we do„
Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn.
With this existing wealth of data, privacy — control over one’s personal information — is going to be critical.
A Future with More Regulations
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are leading the way in legislations protecting privacy. This trend is set to continue and broaden:
- More Countries Adopting Privacy Laws: There will be more GDPR and CCPA-like legislations passed around the world.
- Stricter Enforcement: Existing privacy laws will be enforced more strictly. Fines for violations will increase.
- Data Rights: Individuals‘ data rights will expand. This includes the right to know, right to delete, and right to opt-out.
Artificial Intelligence and Privacy
A hot topic in the privacy conversation is the intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and privacy. On one hand, AI has great potential to enhance data privacy, for example, by detecting data breaches or anonymizing data. On the other hand, widespread use of powerful AI could also potentially harm privacy, due to its capacity for mass data collection and analysis.
It is, therefore, crucial to develop and enforce ethical guidelines for AI use.
„With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon“ – Elon Musk.
Consumer Awareness and Control
Increasingly, users are demanding more control over their data. This trend will likely continue, with more businesses expected to offer robust privacy controls and more transparent privacy policies.
Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs)
Experts agree that we will see more Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) in the near future. PETs encompass a broad range of technologies, including:
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE)
- Differential privacy
- Zero-knowledge proofs
- Homomorphic encryption
- Secure Multi-party Computation (SMPC)
These technologies are designed to protect data while it’s being used, rather than just protecting data at rest or in transit.
Conclusion
The evolution of privacy in the digital age continues to be dynamic and complex. As we move forward, both opportunities and challenges lie ahead. A delicate balance must be found between utilizing data for technological and societal advancements and protecting individuals‘ fundamental right to privacy.
Above all, the future of privacy necessitates a global commitment towards ethical data practices, robust privacy regulations, and the shared responsibility of businesses, governments, and individuals to protect personal information.
Domo Data Never Sleeps Report
GDPR Effect: Countries Implementing Similar Regulations
AI and data privacy: challenges and benefits
Privacy-enhancing technologies: a review