Tag: #data

Zoom Launches New Global Data Privacy Enhancements

Strong privacy practices are instrumental in fostering trust between technology companies and users. When users feel the privacy of their data is protected, they feel more confident about using digital technologies. To this end, Zoom’s privacy, product, and engineering teams have been laser-focused on developing easy-to-use solutions for users to control their privacy preferences. These efforts have resulted in a range of tools and features that allow users to easily manage their data and empower them to take ownership of their privacy.

Today, Zoom introduced several new measures to give users more control and insight into their data:

  • EEA-based Data Storage: Paid customers based in the European Economic Area (EEA) will be able to select certain data for Meetings, Webinars, and Team Chat to be stored within the EEA going forward. By offering local data storage, Zoom will provide these customers with the confidence that their eligible data is stored within EEA boundaries. This data will only be shared with US teams in individual cases and exceptional circumstances, such as with Zoom’s Trust & Safety team.
  • European Support Team: Zoom has established a dedicated support team within Europe, allowing customers who opt in to receive direct technical support. All support information will be processed within the EEA by local employees during normal business hours.
  • Data Subject Access Requests: Zoom has developed a new tool for administrators to easily reply to data subject requests for access or deletion of their personal data for Zoom Meetings, Webinars, and Team Chat. This tool facilitates compliance with GDPR and CCPA requests.
  • Marketing Preference Center: Users may opt in or out of Zoom marketing communications and newsletters with just one click.
  • Audit Log Tracking: Administrator audit logs record the specific actions that administrators take on behalf of users. Now, account owners and administrators have the ability to track when these logs are exported or deleted.
  • Data Retention: Users will have more visibility into Zoom’s data retention and deletion policies as well as the standards and actions the company is taking to align with policies.

“We’re proud to announce these privacy updates for our customers,” said Lynn Haaland, Chief Compliance, Ethics, & Privacy Officer and Deputy General Counsel at Zoom. “These new tools offer our European customers more control over where their data is processed and stored, along with the option to delete personal data. Institutions can choose us knowing that they’ve selected a vendor that’s committed to protecting their data.”

Collaboration is key

Zoom’s new privacy features were developed as part of its close relationship with SURF, the collaborative organization for ICT in Dutch education and research. In 2021, Zoom began working with SURF in response to a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). As a result, Zoom is making great strides in privacy for its users; many of these new features are a direct result of this close collaboration.

“We are pleased with the adjustments Zoom has made to its software as a result of our collaboration,” said Jet de Ranitz, CEO and chairperson of SURF’s board of directors. “With Zoom’s new privacy features and recent modifications, the company has showcased a commitment to European privacy standards. We are very happy with the outcome and the positive benefits for European users.”

Where can you find the new settings?

Zoom’s new tools for data subject access requests and data deletion are available in the Zoom web portal, under “Privacy.” The Marketing Preference Center can also be accessed through the “Manage Preferences” link within Zoom marketing emails, and European technical support is also available at https://eu.support.zoom.us. For EEA-based paid customers, Zoom also began rolling out the ability to enable EEA-based data storage in the Zoom Privacy Center. Zoom’s data retention and deletion policies can be found in the company’s privacy sheet.

The Impact of GDPR on Data Privacy and Security in Europe

In the era of digital communication, data privacy and security have become paramount. Europe, in its pursuit of stronger privacy rights, introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018. This groundbreaking law has reshaped the landscape of data privacy, not only in Europe but across the globe. This article will explore the impact of GDPR on data privacy and security in Europe.

A Brief Overview of GDPR

The GDPR is a regulatory framework that provides EU citizens with more control over their personal data. It obligates businesses to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens for transactions occurring within EU member states. The regulation also applies to non-EU businesses that offer goods or services to EU citizens.

Enhancing Data Privacy

The GDPR has significantly enhanced data privacy in Europe. It has done so by setting strict rules on data collection, storage, and usage. Under GDPR, organizations can no longer collect personal data without explicit consent, and even then, only the minimum necessary data may be collected.

Furthermore, individuals have the right to know what data is being collected about them, why it’s being collected, and how it’s being used. They also have the ‘right to be forgotten,’ which means they can request that an organization delete all of their personal data.

Improving Data Security

In addition to enhancing data privacy, the GDPR has also led to improvements in data security. The regulation mandates that organizations implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. This includes measures to prevent data breaches, such as encryption, pseudonymization, and the ability to ensure the ongoing confidentiality, integrity, and resilience of processing systems.

Moreover, in the event of a data breach, organizations are required to notify the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours. This has led to greater transparency and has helped mitigate the impact of data breaches on individuals.

The Role of Online Security Tools

While the GDPR has undeniably enhanced data privacy and security across Europe, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals themselves also bear responsibility for safeguarding their own data. Here is where the value of online security tools becomes evident.
One of these valuable resources is the WebParanoid browser extension. Although this extension doesn’t interact with GDPR directly, it serves as an invaluable aid for individuals looking to protect their personal data by impeding access to harmful sites and identifying potential phishing attempts. Tools like these can supplement security measures, assisting individuals in further fortifying their data protection efforts.

Summary

The GDPR has had a profound impact on data privacy and security in Europe. It has given individuals more control over their personal data, imposed stricter rules on data collection and usage, and improved data security measures. Online security tools like WebParanoid further enhance these protections, helping individuals safeguard their personal data. While the GDPR has set a high standard for data protection, it’s a shared responsibility between individuals, organizations, and the tools they use to ensure the privacy and security of personal data.

 

How to be your own data security expert in the absence of 2FA

Inspired by the growth of social media subscription models, notably ‘Twitter Blue’, and how they impact user security, Scott McKinnon, Field CISO at VMware explores the critical value in security education for the consumer. As Twitter has locked SMS-based two factor authentication behind Twitter Blue’s paywall, the traditional user without the means or inclination to offer up their cash for subscription perks must now become their own security expert

More than 4.74 billion people worldwide are social media users, according to recent data from Hootsuite. As a source of news and entertainment, its enormous benefits are accessible and essential to our everyday lives, which can overshadow its pitfalls. 

As we’ve become more reliant on the internet, people put their trust in digital services, whether misplaced or not, particularly social media. However, consumers who rely solely on social platform providers to protect them against cyber criminals are, perhaps, playing with fate. User experience is changing as social media platforms restructure their business models to grow subscription plans. The full impact of these new revenue drivers is yet to be seen, but the security implications are undeniable. 

Due to the alleged increase in bad actor exploitation of two factor authentication (2FA) using text, or SMS, Twitter now limits its SMS-based 2FA services to ‘Twitter Blue’ users only. While it’s reassuring that these platforms are in tune with the attack landscape, this change limits access to full security for those who are without the means or are unwilling to pay for it. Withdrawing access to 2FA from non-subscribers highlights one key change for the masses – we must all become our own security experts. 

Peeling back the layers of authentication  

Twitter’s decision has come under fire for its security implications. SMS-based 2FA is often hailed as an effective protective barrier to hacker attempts, as it requires a user’s login to be authenticated via a third-party application that we all have access to – our texts. Critics express concern that while the decision to withhold SMS-based 2FA for verified users will only benefit the business by generating consistent revenue, the majority of social media users are no longer guaranteed the peace of mind of encrypted security.  

For users who have not opted to pay for the premium perks, having a more secure online experience remains a priority. Social media users must do it for themselves, paying closer attention to their account activity, taking more accountability in their own data privacy, and remaining vigilant of suspicious activity by taking additional measures.    

Friend or foe? 

A common way for hackers to steal identities is by creating convincingly fake profiles to gain access to personal networks. Unfortunately for many, their latest friend request may look authentic, but it could be a hacker posing as a connection they may or may not recognise. In fact, Lloyds Bank has warned that impersonation fraud on Instagram is on the rise, having increased by 155% from 2020 to 2021, according to This is Money. The average scam resulted in a loss of £336 per victim. Alternatively, hackers are known to pose as a friend having already compromised their account, to send you false links and alerts embedded with malware. By clicking through, you have enabled a hack on your account. 

To avoid falling victim in the first place, users must use caution in their digital interactions. My advice is to trust your instincts first and foremost. If something is suspicious, ensure you verify the sender’s identity and resource’s destination before engaging, such as clicking on a video link, and avoid accepting connections from unknown accounts. 

Designing your fortress 

Hackers also know most people use the same password again and again, which opens you up to other accounts becoming compromised – including your bank account. However, those who use different passwords, introduce symbols and numbers – and not simply your birthdate – across their various sites and apps are much less likely to fall victim to data theft than those who copy and paste their passwords for the sake of ease. 

An alternative to creating unique passwords is using a third-party passcode manager. These services generate and store unique and complex passwords for each account with encryption. They often come as a package deal with a mobile device such as Apple Keychain and Google Password Manager or are available for download in app stores. 

While these are very simple approaches, they can mitigate the risks of doing nothing if your SMS-based 2FA is withdrawn and are just good security hygiene. 

Power in your hands 

When we think social media, we think entertainment, and not security. However, we cannot afford to take a back seat to our online security with data key to cybercrime. 

Users are more than ever responsible for their first line of defence. 

Irish Mobile Data Usage Surges 41% YoY

eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, has reported a significant increase in data usage year on year for Q1 2023 (January 1st through to March 31st) across their mobile network. The eir mobile data report shows a 41% increase in data usage, with each county experiencing substantial growth. County Leitrim saw the most significant growth at 50% versus last year following eir’s investment of more than €2.5 million in Leitrim’s mobile network. While County Westmeath saw a lower growth at just over 22% Cork tops the list for busiest locations for mobile data and voice usage. The findings highlight an evident increase of data usage in each county, showcasing where and how consumers are enjoying superfast connections more than ever on eir’s award winning mobile network.

Cork City is ranked as the busiest voice and data usage location in the country according to the report. Fairhill, Cork is the number one location for voice calls, followed by Athy in Kildare, and Poppintree, Coolock and Blanchardstown, all three in Dublin. Tuam in Galway, Athy in Kildare, the Dublin Airport and Edenderry in County Offaly are the next busiest locations for data usage after Cork.

The mobile data report also reveals increased 5G usage across Ireland, with Dublin Airport being the top site for 5G usage, followed by Mullingar Town Centre and O’Connell St Dublin in third spot. The increase in mobile data usage in Ireland can be attributed to several factors including competitive unlimited minutes and unlimited data tariffs and the increased adoption of 5G enabled devices with next generation capabilities and an increase in data-intensive applications, including video and gaming streaming services.

Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business commented “At eir, we provide our customers with access to world class connectivity, our broadband having recently been confirmed by Ookla to have the lowest latency in Ireland. eir invests more in Irish telecommunications than anyone else, investing €250 million annually in its communications networks, these results are a testament to eir’s commitment to providing high-quality mobile services to its customers, and the company’s investment in 5G technology.

The Q1 data report provides key insights into Ireland’s ever-growing data and connectivity demands, providing invaluable insight on how eir’s customers use eir’s services, helping us to continuously innovate to ensure that we’re consistently meeting our customers’ demands, and keeping the nation connected”.

Improve Your Skills In Data Science With These Tips And Tricks

Are you looking to become a data scientist? Want to add valuable digital skills to your resume or simply take advantage of the growing demand for tech-savvy hires in all industries? With so much information out there, it can be difficult to know where and how to get started. Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks that will help you develop reliable data science proficiency in no time! Whether you’re brushing up on basic concepts, taking a course online, or delving into more advanced courses – these steps are designed not just to make learning effective but also enjoyable. Read on for our step-by-step guide detailing how can improve your skills in Data Science with ease today.

Understand the Core Skills of Data Science

To become a successful data scientist, you must know what the job entails. Although there is no single definition of the question of what does a data scientist do, generally speaking, it involves using various techniques and tools to extract valuable insights from large complex datasets. Data scientists are expected to be able to interpret results and communicate them effectively for their findings to be used for decision-making.

Having this in mind, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the core skills of data science. From machine learning to data visualization, the field of data science requires a diverse set of skills to be able to extract valuable insights from complex data sets. However, understanding the core skills of data science goes beyond just technical knowledge. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills are also essential components of succeeding in this field. Whether you are just starting or looking to upskill, investing in understanding the core skills of data science will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.

Get Familiar with the Software and Tools of Data Science

The tools and software used can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your work, so it is essential to take the time to get familiar with these applications to ensure you’re making the most of their capabilities. From programming languages like Python and R to analytics tools like Tableau and Excel, there’s plenty to explore in the world of data science. By investing time in learning and practicing with these tools, you can streamline your workflow, uncover valuable insights, and improve your overall approach to data analysis. So, dive into the world of data science software and tools, and you may be surprised at how much you learn and accomplish.

Develop your Problem-Solving Abilities

Problem-solving abilities are crucial to navigating just about any situation in life – personally or professionally. Whether you’re facing a challenge at work, in your home life, or in your community, the ability to think critically and develop creative solutions is a key ingredient to success. While some folks may seem naturally gifted at problem-solving, the truth is that this is a skill that can be cultivated with practice and intentional effort. There are a variety of tactics that you can use to hone your problem-solving abilities, from breaking problems down into smaller components to brainstorming possible solutions with a team. No matter how you choose to approach it, committing to developing your problem-solving abilities is a wise investment in your future.


Increase Your Knowledge of Statistics and Machine Learning

Have you ever wanted to delve deeper into the world of statistics and machine learning? With the continual advancements in technology, it’s becoming more and more important to have a solid understanding of these topics. There are countless benefits to increasing your knowledge in these areas, including improved decision-making abilities and the ability to solve complex problems with greater accuracy. Plus, the demand for professionals with expertise in statistics and machine learning is on the rise, making this a valuable skill set to have in today’s job market. Whether you’re looking to further your career or simply expand your knowledge, investing time in learning more about statistics and machine learning is a smart move.

Learn from Data Visualizations Basic Principles

Data visualizations have the power to present complex information in a way that is digestible and compelling. A successful visualization conveys a story or message that might otherwise be lost in spreadsheets and raw data. To create an effective visualization, there are a few basic principles to keep in mind: keep it simple, use color wisely, and know your audience. By following these principles, you can craft a visualization that not only communicates your data clearly but engages your audience as well. So, whether you’re presenting to colleagues in a boardroom or publishing on social media, understanding how to design and present data visualizations is an essential tool to have in your toolkit.

Invest Time in Practice and Build Projects to Enhance Your Knowledge

The value of practical experience cannot be overstated in the technology world, so you should dedicate time to honing your skills and deepening your knowledge through practice and project building. Whether you are a web developer, software engineer, or data analyst, investing in practical exercises can make a significant difference in mastering your craft. Building projects can help you put theory into practice and enhance your understanding of various concepts, tools, and techniques. This kind of hands-on experience can give you a competitive edge in the job market, and ultimately help you achieve your professional goals. So, don’t shy away from investing time and effort into creating your projects – it is an investment in yourself and your future.

To wrap it up, data science is an area of tremendous opportunity and growth. With the right approach and desire to succeed, you can gain great success in the field. You should start by learning the core skills and components of data science such as understanding algorithms, analytics, and coding. As you progress, keep an eye on the latest software and tools that help with those purposes. A good problem-solving ability is essential when facing complex data science challenges. With a better understanding of statistics and machine learning techniques, you further equip yourself with methods to create meaningful insights from data. Data visualizations are powerful ways to show insights so make sure to learn basic principles there as well. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of practice and investing time into creating real-world projects for your portfolio. All these will surely help you acquire better data science skills than before!

 

SAS-sponsored students present bike data to Irish government officials

Six students from Larkin Community College Dublin, sponsored by analytics and AI leader SAS, have outlined to delegates from the Department of Education how cycling uptake can be increased in Dublin after analysing reams of publicly available data.

The students, participating in a global education initiative called P-TECH, performed analysis on 5.4GB of publicly available dublinbikes station data with the aim of identifying cycling patterns and trends that could be leveraged to improve the uptake of cycling in Dublin. They presented their findings at a showcase event on Wednesday 29 March 2023.

P-TECH, founded by IBM, operates in many countries globally and aims to reform education to prepare young people with the academic, technical and professional skills required for 21st century jobs and ongoing education.  In Ireland there are multiple industry partners as well as five schools and a college participating.

Recent research from SAS underlines the importance of tackling the shortage of data science skills, as  63 per cent of businesses don’t have access to people with the right AI and analytics skills.

Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, said: “The aim of the P-TECH placement is to provide students with a real-world experience working on different types of projects. Developing new skills, knowledge and understanding how to meet these challenges is a key part of P-TECH. Working with different colleagues and learning in new environments based across the P-TECH Industry Partner sites, each and every student should be proud of the work they have achieved and their accomplishments over the last six weeks.”

As part of P-TECH the students joined the SAS team at its Irish headquarters in Dublin, participated in team building activities and were trained in the use of SAS Visual Analytics, SAS Visual Statistics and project management.

Alan McGlinn, Country Lead for SAS Ireland, says investing in the next generation of data professionals is critical for everyone’s future success. He said:

“We firmly believe that this is not only an investment in their future, but also in the future of our industry and the prosperity of the economy and our country. By sponsoring students to take part in P-TECH, we are not only helping to bring reforms to education and presenting them with real world examples to work on, but also giving young people the essential data skills they need to thrive in the workforce. We are proud to support this global initiative and to play our part in shaping the future of data analytics.”

Other P-TECH industry partners, alongside SAS, include IBM, Irish Life, Salesforce, Cisco, Virgin Media and Irish Water.

SAS supports a number of initiatives aimed at equipping people with the data skills they need to thrive in a modern economy. It founded the SAS STEP programme, a free reskilling and employment initiative to help jobseekers across Ireland and the UK, empowering the workforce and rebuilding for the future.

AWS – Harnessing the power of plants to decarbonise our data centres

In January 2023, Amazon Web Services (AWS) started transitioning to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to power backup generators at its data centre sites in Europe, with sites in Ireland and Sweden among the first to make the switch. Backup generators are used at data centre sites to provide back up power in the very rare instances when the main source of power is interrupted.

HVO is a renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic fuel that can be made from waste cooking oil, or vegetable, plant and residue oils. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% over the fuel’s lifecycle when compared with fossil diesel. HVO and other renewable diesels are proven to be more compatible with industrial machinery than biodiesel as they don’t require any modification to the fuel systems and can remain stable even in the coldest winter temperatures. This versatility allows AWS to fill the tanks of its backup generators with HVO without any operational changes and use it across different regions and colder climates.

In the future, AWS aims to use HVO at all its data centre sites across Europe, certified through AWS certification. But for this to happen there has to be an accessible, steady, and sustainable supply of HVO. That’s why AWS is helping to develop a global supply chain, working with local organisations like Certa in Ireland, and is investing in the procurement of HVO that only comes from renewable sources, with raw materials that are traceable to their origins and not derived from sources that would impact highly biodiverse areas.

Andrew Graham, Managing Director of Certa Ireland said: “We’re excited to be working with AWS to help drive their renewable energy transition through the supply of our HVO. At Certa, our mission is to connect our customers with the most progressive energy solutions available, and as a straight drop-in replacement for conventional diesel, our HVO Bio Fuel provides up to 90% reduction in carbon emissions instantly with no generator retrofitting required. We look forward to continuing the energy transition journey alongside AWS.”

Neil Morris, Director of Infrastructure Operations, Northern Europe, at AWS said: “At AWS, we’re committed to and invested in sustainability because it’s a win all around—it’s good for the planet, for business, for our customers, and for our communities. Transitioning to HVO is just one of the many ways we’re improving the sustainability of our data centres, decarbonising our operations, and working towards Amazon’s company-wide goal to meet net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. By making this commitment to using sustainably-sourced HVO at our data centres sites, we hope to pave the way for other businesses, and help establish a global supply chain that will accelerate change across Europe working in collaboration with other organisations.”

Our commitment to meet net-zero carbon by 2040

The move is a part of Amazon’s commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040—10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement – and as outlined in The Climate Pledge, which the company co-founded in 2019. The Pledge now has over 400 signatories, including Best Buy, IBM, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Siemens, Unilever, Verizon, and Visa. As part of this Pledge, Amazon is on a path to powering its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, five years ahead of its initial 2030 target. Amazon is the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy—a position it’s held since 2020 according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, and the company now has 401 projects globally, including 164 wind farms and solar farms, and 237 rooftop solar projects on Amazon facilities.

In addition to transitioning to HVO, Amazon is investing in alternative fuel options to replace diesel and other fossil fuels to further decarbonise its operations. For example, Amazon has signed an agreement with Plug Power to supply green hydrogen for its transportation and building operations starting in 2025. Amazon also continues to transform its transportation network, including electrifying its delivery fleet. It currently has thousands of electric delivery vehicles from Rivian in more than 100 cities and regions in the U.S., thousands of electric vans delivering packages to customers in Europe, and several electric vehicle partnerships in APAC. In addition, the company is investing $2 billion in the development of decarbonising services and solutions through the Climate Pledge Fund.

Learn more about Amazon’s sustainability commitments here.

The Power Of Data Visualization: How To Create Impactful Reports

Data visualizations are becoming an extensively significant tool for reliably relaying information in a multitude of disciplines. In the business environment, data can be utilized to make decisions about all aspects from operations to product offerings and marketing. 

By transforming raw information into clear, visually impactful displays, organizations can recognise valuable conclusions which might otherwise go unnoticed even when observing the same data. 

In this post, we will investigate the strength of data visualization and explore key approaches for constructing effective and potent data visuals to increase the utility of reports.

1. Save Time With PDF Tools

To efficiently present data visuals, it’s essential to have a PDF viewer Flutter tool that can quickly markup and comment on PDF documents. A great PDF annotation tool will also make it easy to mark up PDFs and deliver an intuitive yet powerful set of features for creating more engaging visuals. 

2. Use The Right Data Visualization Tool

Choosing the right data visualization tool is a critical part of any successful data visualization project. Using the wrong tools to display data can make it difficult to properly interpret data points and cause decision makers to draw the wrong conclusions. 

Fortunately, there are many powerful yet simplified tools that make it easy to create effective data visuals. Popular tools enable users to quickly drag and drop data sets, create data visualizations and analyze data points. No matter the scope, there is a right data visualization tool for any data project. 

3. Choose The Appropriate Visualization For Your Data

Once the data has been collected, the next step is selecting the right type of visualization for the data. While it may be tempting to choose the most eye-catching visualization option, it’s important to choose the one that best conveys the story behind the data. 

Different visualization types will more effectively communicate certain elements of a data set than others. For example, scatter and bar graphs more effectively display how two different variables are related whereas a line graph is better at displaying trends over time.

4. Make It Accessible To A Wide Audience

Data visualizations are most effective when decision makers can quickly draw insights from them. Therefore, the visualization should be designed to communicate the story and insight of the data to a wide audience. When labels, colors and fonts are used appropriately, viewers can easily interpret the data and draw conclusions that help inform decision-making. 

5. Use Color Wisely

Colors can be powerful tools in visualizing data, but they can also be distracting. Before settling on a color palette, consider the tone you’d like to set. 

Warmer colors like red, orange, and yellow often convey urgency, while cooler colors like blue, green, and purple can usually emphasize rationality. If you’re looking to present a number of data points, avoid using more than five colors — otherwise, the results may appear cluttered and confusing. 

6. Avoid Clutter

Remember the saying, “less is more”? It certainly applies here. Packing too many visuals into one frame can detract from the overall message of the data. It’s best to limit the number of visuals to keep data points from competing for attention and make sure that the overall infographic is clear. 

Additionally, make sure to give each data point sufficient space, to avoid information from overlapping on a chart.

7. Structure Your Visualizations

Structure is key when visualizing data. To properly structure visualizations, keep in mind the 4 key elements of data presentation – rows, columns, size, and position. Rows indicate the order of data points, columns indicate the data type, size allows users to gauge magnitude, and position indicates the relative position of individual data points. 

Conclusion

Data representation can be a fantastic device for communicating data and affecting choices crosswise over an organization. With the correct apparatuses, information visualizations can be made to accurately convey story and bits of knowledge. 

Also, when the right hues, structures and PDF watchers are utilized, visuals turn out to be more captivating and impressive. Utilizing the privilege abilities and learning, associations can utilize information representation to settle on data-driven choices.

7 in 10 people feel uncomfortable about giving personal data to providers

Most Irish people (70pc) feel some level of discomfort around giving their personal information away to product and service providers. Of this group half say it makes them anxious to do so, while the other half say they are very guarded and will not give personal data away unless they “absolutely have to do so”.

Additional key outputs of Compliance Ireland’s ESG Consumer Survey revealed that:

  • Almost half of people aged 55+ (49pc) are extremely hesitant to share details about themselves unless absolutely necessary, compared with just a quarter of people aged 25 to 34.
  • Women are much more troubled by handing over their personal data than men at 77pc vs. 64pc.
  • Three times as many men than women don’t give it a second thought (16pc vs. 5pc).

The Compliance Institute say that, with Ireland being at the top of the EU league table for the aggregate fines imposed last year, these statistics give an insightful picture of people’s rightful protectiveness over their information.

Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute commented:

“The large volume of people expressing their reluctance to providing personal information is most likely a consequence of the many data leaks and breaches that have been given prominence  in recent Irish news stories. 

The younger generation have less reservations around providers accessing personal data, which is perhaps understandable given that they have grown up in an online world whereas the older generation are extremely hesitant to share details about themselves unless absolutely necessary.”

The Compliance Institute survey shone a light on the huge mistrust that exists amongst the general public around social media companies. These giants of the digital world topped the poll as the least trusted entities when it comes to guarding the personal information of users, with six in ten (56pc) people regarding them as the most untrustworthy. Those aged 18-24 were significantly more likely to feel this way at 74pc.

Online retailers came in second place with almost one in five (18pc) saying they would be least likely to trust these businesses with their personal information.

Mr. Kavanagh, added: “Social media platforms such as Facebook and Tik-Tok have exploded in recent years with a huge amount of people, both young and old, sharing personal details and minute-by-minute updates of their lives with their world of followers which results in a large volume of personal data being in the hands of social media companies. From a GDPR perspective, information is considered personal when it can identify an individual either directly or indirectly.”

Other notable findings from the survey include:

  • Just over one in ten (12pc) say they are least likely to trust government agencies such as HSE, Dept of Social Protection, Revenue Commissioners etc. with their personal data.
  • Over one in five of those who view Government agencies as the least trustworthy with their data were aged between 25 and 34.
  • 7pc claim they don’t trust banks with their data.
  • Telecoms providers such as mobile phone or broadband providers as well as, utility providers such as gas and electricity providers came in lowest at 4pc and 2pc respectively meaning, people tend to trust these entities the most with their information.

Mr. Kavanagh concluded, “Cybercriminals are either keeping pace with, or advancing ahead of, the cyber-security measures being put in place and people are acutely aware of the menacing risk of identity theft being on the rise.

Product and service providers collect a vast array of information on people, and even if one piece of data alone doesn’t identify someone, when paired alongside other pieces of data, a person’s identity can quickly become known.”