Privacy, a major issue for your future - How to preserve it in 2024?

The Secrets of Privacy in the Digital Age

In this article you are invited to :

Discover how to protect your privacy in 2024 in the face of digital challenges and opportunities.

Learn the secrets of privacy protection in the digital age and how to protect yourself from threats and risks.

Explore the major privacy issues for your future and how to address them with innovative solutions.

Privacy: a major issue in the digital age

Privacy is a topic that concerns everyone in our connected society. Whether it’s our personal data, our information security, our rights and responsibilities, or our vision of the future, privacy is at the heart of many debates and issues. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of privacy, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the solutions and advice to preserve and promote it.

What is privacy and why is it important?

Privacy is the right to control access, use, and dissemination of our personal information. It is also about respecting our privacy, dignity, and freedom. Privacy is important for several reasons:

It allows us to express ourselves, to inform ourselves, to communicate, to create, without fear of being monitored, censored, manipulated, or discriminated against.

It protects us against abuse of power, fraud, theft, cyberattacks, or attacks on our physical or moral security.

It gives us the possibility to choose, consent, revoke, or rectify our personal data, and to know the purposes and recipients of their processing.

It gives us an identity, a personality, a reputation, and confidence in ourselves and in others.

How to protect our personal data and our privacy on the internet?

Our personal data are the traces we leave on the internet, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. They can be of various natures: name, address, telephone number, date of birth, email address, password, browsing history, location, preferences, opinions, etc. This data is collected, stored, analyzed, and shared by many actors: websites, applications, social networks, search engines, advertisers, access providers, governments, etc. This data can have great economic, social, or political value, and can be used for various purposes: personalization, recommendation, profiling, targeting, surveillance, control, etc.

To protect our personal data and our privacy on the internet, there are several methods:

Use strong, unique, and different passwords for each account, and change them regularly. Use a password manager to store and generate them securely.

Use a privacy-respecting web browser that blocks cookies, trackers, ads, and unwanted scripts. Use extensions or applications that enhance privacy protection, such as a VPN, proxy, encryptor, an anonymizer, etc.

Use web services that respect privacy, that do not collect, store, share, or sell our personal data. Favor services that use encryption, decentralization, etc.

How to protect our information and IT security?

Information and computer security is the discipline that aims to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and authenticity of our information and computer systems. It concerns the technical, organizational, human, and legal aspects of information protection. Information and computer security is essential for the protection of privacy, because it allows us to prevent and respond to cyber attacks that can compromise our personal data, communications, transactions, or infrastructures.

To protect our information and IT security, there are several methods:

Apply the basic principles of information and IT security, such as defense in depth, least privilege, separation of duties, risk management, awareness, etc.

Follow the standards and best practices of information and IT security, such as ISO 27001, the NIST standard, the ANSSI guide, etc.

Use technical solutions adapted to our needs and our level of security, such as antiviruses, firewalls, backups, updates, certificates, signatures, encryption, etc.

Comply with laws and regulations relating to information and IT security, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Network and Information Systems Security Directive (NIS), the Data Protection Act, etc.

What are the laws and policies that protect privacy around the world?

Privacy is a fundamental right recognized by many international, regional and national texts. It is the subject of many laws and policies that aim to protect and promote it. Here are some examples of laws and policies that protect privacy around the world:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which states in its Article 12 that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), which states in Article 17 that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”

The European Convention on Human Rights (1950), which guarantees in its Article 8 that “Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence. There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (2016), which is the European Union’s legal framework for the protection of personal data. It aims to strengthen the rights of data subjects, make data processors accountable, harmonise rules across the single market, and ensure a high level of data protection in the EU and internationally. It applies to any organisation that processes personal data of individuals in the EU, whether or not it is established in the EU.

The Data Protection Act (1978), which is the French law that governs the collection, processing, storage, and sharing of personal data. It recognizes the right to informational self-determination, that is, the right for any person to have access to their personal data. It imposes on data controllers obligations of transparency, security, proportionality, and respect for the rights of the persons concerned. It creates the National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties (CNIL), which is the independent administrative authority responsible for ensuring compliance with the law and sanctioning breaches.

What are the challenges and opportunities for privacy protection in the digital age?

Privacy faces many challenges and opportunities in the digital age. On the one hand, the development of digital technologies offers unprecedented opportunities to communicate, learn, entertain, train, work, create, etc. On the other hand, these same technologies can infringe on privacy by facilitating the collection, processing, sharing, and exploitation of personal data, sometimes without the knowledge or against the will of the persons concerned. There is therefore a constant need to find a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of digital technology, between the rights and duties of individuals and digital stakeholders, between protection and innovation.

Some of the main challenges and opportunities for privacy protection in the digital age include:

Artificial intelligence (AI), which is the ability of machines to perform tasks that require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, learning, decision-making, etc. AI can be used to improve privacy, for example by detecting and preventing cyberattacks, encrypting and anonymizing personal data, personalizing and securing digital services, etc. But AI can also threaten privacy, for example by allowing the surveillance and profiling of individuals, the manipulation and discrimination of opinions, behaviors, emotions, etc.

Blockchain, which is a technology for storing and transmitting information, without a control body, based on the creation and verification of blocks of data linked together by cryptographic rules. Blockchain can be used to enhance privacy protection, for example by ensuring the traceability, transparency, and authenticity of transactions, creating decentralized and sovereign digital identities, managing consents and rights of access to personal data, etc. But blockchain can also pose problems for privacy, for example by revealing sensitive or confidential information, compromising the right to be forgotten or to rectify personal data, creating risks of hacking or data theft, etc.

The Internet of Things (IoT), which is the interconnection between the Internet and physical or virtual objects, equipped with sensors, actuators, software, etc. The IoT can be used to improve privacy protection, for example by allowing the control and management of personal data generated by connected objects, creating intelligent environments adapted to the needs and preferences of individuals, enhancing the security and comfort of people, etc. But the IoT can also harm privacy, for example by allowing the collection and processing of personal data without the consent or knowledge of individuals, creating risks of hacking or misappropriation of connected objects, infringing on the privacy and freedom of individuals, etc.

How will privacy evolve with the advent of artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, etc.?

Privacy is constantly evolving with technological advances. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and other emerging technologies will have a major impact on how we design, protect, and share our personal data. These technologies will create new opportunities, but also new challenges, for privacy. Here are some examples:

Artificial intelligence will make it possible to create more personalized, more efficient, and more innovative digital services, which will improve our quality of life, our health, our education, our work, etc. But it will also increase the risks of surveillance, profiling, manipulation, or discrimination, which can harm our privacy, our dignity, and our freedom. We will therefore have to ensure that artificial intelligence is used in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner, and that it respects the principles of personal data protection, such as consent, purpose, minimization, security, etc.

Blockchain will make it possible to create decentralized, transparent, and secure systems, which will guarantee the traceability, authenticity, and sovereignty of our personal data. But it will also pose problems of compatibility, scalability, and reversibility, which can harm our privacy, our right to be forgotten, or our right to rectification. It will therefore be necessary to ensure that the blockchain is used in a proportionate, appropriate, and controlled manner, and that it complies with the standards and regulations relating to the protection of personal data, such as the GDPR, the NIS, etc.

The Internet of Things will make it possible to create intelligent, connected, and adapted environments, which will improve our comfort, security, and well-being. But it will also increase the quantity, diversity, and sensitivity of the personal data collected, processed, and shared, which may be exposed to risks of hacking, misappropriation, or attacks on our privacy or freedom. It will therefore be necessary to ensure that the Internet of Things is used in a respectful, prudent, and sustainable manner, and that it respects the rights and duties of individuals and actors in the Internet of Things, such as the right to information, the right to object, the duty of security, the duty of loyalty, etc.

What are the innovative and creative solutions to protect privacy in the future?

Privacy protection is not an end in itself, but a means to ensure respect for our rights, our dignity, and our freedom. It therefore requires a global, multidisciplinary, and participatory approach, which involves all the stakeholders concerned: individuals, organizations, institutions, researchers, innovators, creators, etc. There are many innovative and creative solutions to protect privacy in the future, which can be grouped into three categories:

Technical solutions, which use digital technologies to strengthen the security, confidentiality, and control of personal data. For example, homomorphic encryption, which allows encrypted data to be processed without decrypting it, zero-knowledge proof, which allows ownership to be proven without revealing information, self-sovereign identity, which allows you to create and manage your digital identity without an intermediary, etc.

Legal solutions, which establish the rules, standards, and sanctions relating to the protection of personal data. For example, the GDPR, which is the EU legal framework for the protection of personal data, Convention 108+, which is the Council of Europe's international treaty on the protection of personal data, the Privacy Shield, which is the agreement between the EU and the United States on the transfer of personal data, etc.

Educational solutions, which aim to raise awareness, train, and empower individuals and digital stakeholders on the protection of personal data. For example, the CNIL, which offers educational resources, training, competitions, labels, etc., the MOOC “Protection of privacy in the digital world”, which offers a free online course open to all, the “Privacy by Design” project, which promotes privacy-friendly design from the design stage of digital products and services, etc.

What skills and attitudes are needed to preserve privacy in the future?

Privacy is not just about technology, laws, or policies. It is also about skills and attitudes, which must be developed and cultivated by individuals and digital stakeholders. These skills and attitudes are:

Digital literacy, which is the ability to understand, use, create, and critique digital technologies, and to learn about, communicate, collaborate, and solve problems using them. Digital literacy involves knowing the principles, workings, and challenges of digital technologies, and knowing how to use them effectively, ethically, and responsibly.

Digital ethics, which is the reflection and action on the values, norms, and principles that guide our behaviors and choices in the digital world. Digital ethics involves respecting the rights, duties, and dignity of individuals and digital actors, and promoting the common good, justice, and solidarity in the digital world.

Digital creativity, which is the ability to produce, share, and promote original, useful, and relevant digital content, services, and solutions. Digital creativity involves mobilizing one's imagination, curiosity, sensitivity, and criticism, and combining ideas, resources, and digital tools to meet the needs, expectations, and aspirations of individuals and digital stakeholders.

These skills and attitudes are essential for preserving privacy in the future, because they allow us to master, control, and value our personal data, to protect, respect, and promote the privacy of others, and to participate in, contribute to, and transform the digital world.

What is the vision and mission of privacy in the future?

Privacy is not a static value, but a dynamic one, which adapts and transforms with technological, social, and cultural changes. The vision and mission of privacy in the future is therefore to preserve and promote the right to control, use, and share our personal data, while respecting our privacy, dignity, and freedom. The vision and mission of privacy in the future is also to:

Recognize the diversity and complexity of the needs, expectations, and aspirations of individuals and digital stakeholders in terms of privacy, and promote dialogue, cooperation, and co-creation between them.

Develop and disseminate innovative and creative solutions to protect privacy, which are technically efficient, legally compliant, and ethically responsible, and which respond to the challenges and opportunities of digital technology.

Raise awareness, train, and empower individuals and digital stakeholders on the protection of privacy, by giving them the skills, attitudes, and tools necessary to master, control, and enhance their personal data, and to protect, respect, and promote the privacy of others.

Participate, contribute, and transform the digital world, by making privacy a lever for progress, justice, and solidarity, and by making the digital world a space of freedom, democracy, and diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is privacy and why is it important?

Privacy is the right to control access, use, and dissemination of our personal information. It is also about respecting our privacy, dignity, and freedom. Privacy is important for several reasons:

It allows us to express ourselves, to inform ourselves, to communicate, to create, without fear of being monitored, censored, manipulated, or discriminated against.

It protects us against abuse of power, fraud, theft, cyberattacks, or attacks on our physical or moral security.

It gives us the possibility to choose, consent, revoke, or rectify our personal data, and to know the purposes and recipients of their processing.

It gives us an identity, a personality, a reputation, and confidence in ourselves and in others.

How to protect our personal data and our privacy on the internet?

Our personal data are the traces we leave on the internet, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. They can be of various nature: name, address, telephone number, date of birth, email address, password, browsing history, location, preferences, opinions, etc. This data is collected, stored, analyzed, and shared by many actors: websites, applications, social networks, search engines, advertisers, access providers, governments, etc. This data can have great economic, social, or political value, and can be used for various purposes: personalization, recommendation, profiling, targeting, surveillance, control, etc. To protect our personal data and our privacy on the internet, there are several methods:

Use strong, unique, and different passwords for each account, and change them regularly. Use a password manager to store and generate them securely.

Use a privacy-friendly web browser that blocks cookies, trackers, ads, and unwanted scripts. Use privacy-enhancing extensions or apps, such as a VPN, proxy, encryptor, anonymizer, etc.

Use web services that respect privacy, that do not collect, store, share, or sell our personal data. Favor services that use encryption, decentralization, transparency, and consent.

Read and understand the privacy policies and terms of use of the websites, applications, and social networks we use. Change privacy and security settings according to our preferences and needs.

Exercise caution and discretion before posting, sharing, or uploading personal or sensitive information online. Avoid disclosing information that could identify, locate, or harm us.

What are the laws and policies that protect privacy around the world?

Privacy is a fundamental right recognized by many international, regional, and national texts. It is the subject of many laws and policies that aim to protect and promote it. Here are some examples of laws and policies that protect privacy around the world:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which states in its Article 12 that "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), which states in Article 17 that "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his honour and reputation.

The European Convention on Human Rights (1950), which guarantees in its Article 8 that "Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (2016), which is the European Union’s legal framework for the protection of personal data. It aims to strengthen the rights of data subjects, make data processors more accountable, harmonise rules across the single market, and ensure a high level of data protection in the EU and internationally.

The Data Protection Act (1978), which is the French law that governs the collection, processing, storage, and sharing of personal data. It recognizes the right to informational self-determination, that is, the right for any person to have control over their personal data. It imposes on data controllers obligations of transparency, security, proportionality, and respect for the rights of the persons concerned.

What are the challenges and opportunities for privacy protection in the digital age?

Among the main challenges and opportunities for the protection of privacy in the digital age, we can cite:

Artificial intelligence (AI), which is the ability of machines to perform tasks that require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, learning, decision-making, etc. AI can be used to improve privacy, for example by detecting and preventing cyberattacks, encrypting and anonymizing personal data, personalizing and securing digital services, etc.