Data Privacy vs Data Protection are two related concepts, but they are not interchangeable.
Data privacy refers to an individual’s right to control how their personal data is collected, used, and shared. It is the right of an individual to keep certain information about themselves private and confidential. This includes sensitive information such as medical records, financial information, and personal communications. Data privacy regulations, such as the GDPR or CCPA, aim to protect individuals’ privacy rights by setting rules for how personal data can be collected, processed, stored, and shared.
For example, an individual may want to know what data a company is collecting about them, how that data is being used, and with whom it is being shared? They may also want the ability to request that their data be deleted or to opt out of certain data processing activities.
Data Protection includes the technical, organizational, and legal measures taken to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Data protection measures may include encryption, access controls, firewalls, antivirus software, and data backups. The primary objective of data protection is to prevent data breaches and ensure that sensitive information remains secure.
For example, a company might implement data protection measures to secure customer information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or medical records. This could include restricting access to the data, encrypting it, and monitoring systems for unauthorized access attempts.
Data privacy is about what others can and should do with the lawfully collected data from individuals, and what control such individuals have over its use and retention. On the other hand, data protection ensures that one’s personal data is protected from any unlawful access by unauthorized parties.
Who controls what, is a key distinction between data protection and data privacy. Users frequently have control over the privacy of their personal data. They can choose who they want to share their personal information with.
On the other hand, data protection falls under the purview of the organisation. They have a legal obligation to safeguard the data they have obtained, utilised, or disclosed.
Understanding the distinction between data privacy and data protection is important since both concerns are intertwined with cybersecurity and privacy, both of which are essential for businesses and organizations.
Understanding them answers how personal data is managed and why both individuals and organizations play a vital role in its use.
