‘Reactive’ and ‘data protection’ are two phrases that no organisation wants to have sitting near each other, but with businesses facing more and more pressures, how can adopting a ‘data protection by design’ approach help organisations move to, and sustain a proactive approach to data protection?
What is Data Protection by Design?
Data Protection by Design and by Default is a proactive approach to protecting data and is well established as one of the tenants of UK and EU data protection law.
The key principles of data protection by design
1. Proactive, not reactive; preventive, not remedial
Instead of waiting for privacy issues to arise and then addressing them, data protection by design emphasises anticipating and preventing data risks before they occur. This approach aims to embed controls and safeguards throughout the entire lifecycle of data processing activities.
2. Data Protection as the default setting
Organisations should ensure that personal data is automatically protected by default. This means that the default settings for any system or process should be the most privacy-friendly options, minimising data collection, processing, and retention to what is strictly necessary.
3. Data Protection embedded into design
Privacy and data protection features should be integrated into the design and architecture of IT systems and business practices, rather than being added on as an afterthought. This principle ensures that protecting data is an integral part of the core functionality of any system or process.
4. Full functionality – positive-sum, not zero-sum
Data protection by design promotes a win-win approach, where privacy and other legitimate interests and objectives are both accommodated and enhanced. This principle rejects the notion that privacy must be sacrificed for other functionalities.
5. End-to-end security – lifecycle protection
Strong security measures should be in place throughout the entire lifecycle of the data—from collection to deletion. This includes data encryption, secure storage, and controlled access, ensuring that personal data remains protected at all stages.
6. Visibility and transparency
Organisations should be transparent about their data processing practices, ensuring that individuals understand how their data is being used and protected. This involves clear communication, comprehensive privacy policies, and mechanisms for individuals to exercise their data rights.
7. Respect for user privacy – keep it user-centric
Data protection by design emphasises respecting the privacy and rights of individuals. This involves designing systems and processes that prioritise user privacy, provide user control over their data, and facilitate the exercise of user rights such as access, correction, and deletion of their data.
Data protection by design is a holistic approach. By proactively embedding privacy principles into the design and operation of processes and technologies, organisations can better safeguard personal data, comply with legal requirements, and build trust with their stakeholders. This approach not only protects individuals’ privacy but also enhances the overall security and resilience of data management practices.ProvePrivacy allows your organisation to demonstrate that it has the technical and organisational measures to support data protection by design. Discover more and book a FREE demo.
