Upholding privacy by design principles: Why does it matter?

Upholding Privacy by Design principles

Privacy by Design is a framework that focuses on incorporating privacy into the Design and operation of IT systems, networked infrastructure, and business activities from the beginning of the project. It is an approach applied when creating new systems and technologies. With this, privacy is incorporated into the technology and systems by default and simply means that the product is designed with privacy as a top priority along with other purposes the system can accommodate.

“Privacy must become integral to organizational priorities, project objectives, design processes, and planning operations. Privacy must be embedded into every standard, protocol, and process that touches our lives.”

A formal Privacy by Design framework published in 2009

When it comes to creating safe products, Privacy by Design is an excellent strategy to incorporate into the entire design architecture. Businesses that demonstrate accountability in this area have a higher chance of ensuring business continuity and product usage in the digital era. Customers are mindful of their data privacy and security.

Also Read: Managing employee data under Singapore’s PDPA

7 Key Privacy by Design principles

The 7 Key Principles of Privacy by Design can help you stand out from the crowd and gain your consumers’ trust.

1. Preventive not Remedial; Proactive, not Reactive
   This principle prevents and anticipates privacy breaches before they happen because privacy has been incorporated into the product. Security is a top priority from the beginning of the design process and adopting a Privacy by Design methodology protects organizations from privacy issues that could hurt the company’s reputation.
2. Privacy by Design as the Default
   This principle is used in a way whereby personal data are automatically protected in any system or business practice. The system is designed to be secure, so any person doesn’t have (to a significant extent) to do more work to protect their own privacy. By making Privacy by Design the default, they don’t have to doubt the process, but they can take further steps to secure their own data.
3. Privacy Embedded into Design
   Ann Cavoukian, Ph.D., the author of Privacy by Design: The 7 Foundational Principles, says privacy should be “integral to the system, without diminishing functionality.” By embedding privacy into the Design, the system will run better rather than adding it later. Privacy must be integrated holistically and innovatively, making user experiences better.

1. Positive-Sum, not Zero-Sum — Full Functionality
   People should always have the option to deny access to their data and still be able to use the product. Of course, some features cannot work without specific data, so that’s okay as long as the user understands. However, don’t ever limit access to functionality by forcing your users to give their data.
2. Lifecycle Protection — End-to-End Security
   Information is secured and protected when it enters the system, is retained safely, and then properly destroyed. Privacy by Design considers security from start to finish.
3. Visibility and Transparency
   Accountability, openness, and compliance are essential for an effective and secure system. The level of security it provides creates trust and holds your organization accountable by being clear about your system. Moreover, the system improves by allowing users and other involved parties to see how information moves through your system.
4. Respect for User Privacy
   The stakes of letting it fall into the wrong hands are extremely high, especially if you are dealing with customers’ private information. Additionally, your system must be enhanced for your users and all of their needs; you should make user privacy your top concern.

How do we implement Privacy by Design?

Privacy by Design should be seamlessly integrated into your system — allowing it to work smoothly and securely from day one. Privacy by Design starts by emphasizing privacy and security throughout the system design process
You must first do a privacy audit on your system, broken down from start to finish.

Look at how privacy has been embedded into your current system, identify weak points, and create new user-friendly solutions. Implementing Privacy by Design on an existing system or product may be time-consuming and challenging because you have to completely deconstruct and analyze the system you have in place.

Also Read: What you need to know about appointing a Data Protection Officer in Singapore