Trend towards paid privacy
Data protection expert Hanspeter Thür is convinced that privacy is increasingly becoming a privilege. «Only those who are willing to pay for it will be able to protect it,» he said in an interview with the NZZ on Thursday.
Google, Facebook, Whatsapp and co. are free, but "in return, the providers use the user data." And not entirely voluntarily. The disclosure of data often happens gradually, explains Thür. For example, if you buy a product and, after updating the operating system, it can only be synchronized with your own computer via the data cloud - i.e. the provider's server. "This is actually a defect in the product, but try returning your device with this justification." In fact, it is not voluntary - especially because all providers operate in this direction.
Wine lover or alcoholic?
The trend is clearly moving in the direction of comprehensive data collection. This becomes problematic when future behavior is predicted from the amount of data. "If an algorithm recognizes you as a wine lover, you might not care. But what if it identifies you as an alcoholic?" On the one hand, Thür is calling for consumers to become more aware. And also from politicians, because a clear legal framework is needed. Despite global providers, there is room for maneuver for nation states, the Federal Data Protection Commissioner is convinced.
Privacy made to measure
For example, politicians could demand that all services offered in Switzerland must meet certain conditions. For example, the possibility for users to restrict or even prohibit the collection and transfer of data. "We are talking about privacy by design here. Nobody is forced to use this option." Thür also calls for certain standards for the approval of products and stricter sanctions. He criticizes the fact that violating the Data Protection Act is now considered a trivial offence and no fines can be imposed. (SDA)
Image: Keystone
