In today’s digital landscape, companies are facing increasing pressure to protect the personal information of their users. With data privacy violations making headlines left and right, it’s clear that not all companies are taking the necessary steps to protect our information. So, what’s the solution? Enter privacy by design.

First introduced by Canadian Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian in the 1990s, privacy by design consists of these seven principles:

1. Proactive, not reactive; preventative, not remedial
2. Privacy as the default setting
3. Privacy embedded into design
4. Full functionality: positive-sum, not zero-sum
5. End-to-end security: full lifecycle protection
6. Visibility and transparency: keep it open
7. Respect for user privacy: keep it user-centric

To very briefly summarize, privacy by design means considering privacy in the early stages of a product or service, instead of as an afterthought. By proactively incorporating privacy into the design process, companies can not only protect their users’ personal information, but also build trust with their customers.

So, how do you actually incorporate privacy by design into your product design process? The answer will differ based on your industry and company structure. However, there are several best practices you can keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Best Practice 1: Data Minimization

Only collect the minimum amount of data necessary for your business goals. This habit is essential to ensure that you are not collecting unnecessary data that could be used to identify individuals. By practicing data minimization, you reduce the risk of a data breach and the potential for harm to your customers.

Best Practice 2: Security

Implement strong security measures to protect the personal information you do collect. This includes encrypting data in transit and at rest, as well as implementing firewalls, intrusion detection, and other security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access.

Best Practice 3: Respect for User Privacy

Show a commitment to respecting the privacy of your users by obtaining their consent for data collection and usage, and giving them control over their personal information. This includes providing clear and easy-to-understand privacy policies and giving users the ability to access, correct, or delete their personal information.

Best Practice 4: Proactive Approach

Consider privacy from the get-go by examining how much information you’re collecting and whether it’s necessary for your business goals. Incorporating data privacy at the design stage will earn the trust of consumers and potentially save your company from costly data privacy violations down the road. By taking a proactive approach to privacy, you can identify and address potential issues before they become problems.

Best Practice 5: Consumers in Control

Give consumers the ability to express their preferences and access, correct, or delete their personal information. This includes providing users with the ability to opt-out of targeted advertising, or to correct or delete their personal information if they so choose.

Best Practice 6: Transparency

Be clear with consumers about your data collection and usage practices through a clear and easy-to-understand privacy policy. Make sure it’s easily accessible on your website or app and is formatted so it’s easy to read on any device. By being transparent about your data collection and usage practices, you can build trust with your customers and demonstrate your commitment to their privacy.

Best Practice 7: Accountability

Hold yourself accountable to both consumers and within your organization. This includes posting a privacy policy, giving consumers a way to voice concerns, and implementing mechanisms to verify that your company is complying with its data controls and policies. You can also consider getting an independent third party to review and verify your privacy practices. By holding yourself accountable, you can ensure that you are following best practices and that your customers can trust you to keep their personal information safe.

Why Does Privacy by Design Matter?

It’s time for companies to take privacy seriously and implement privacy by design in all aspects of their product design process. Not only will it help protect the personal information of their users, but it will also give them a competitive edge. In today’s digital landscape, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of data privacy and are more likely to choose companies that prioritize their privacy. By incorporating privacy by design, companies can demonstrate their commitment to their customers’ privacy, build trust and ultimately increase customer loyalty.

It’s important to note that implementing privacy by design is a continuous process and not a one-time task. The privacy landscape is constantly changing, and companies need to be prepared to adapt to new laws, regulations and technologies. By keeping these principles in mind, and continuously reviewing and updating their privacy practices, companies can ensure that they are always in compliance with the latest privacy regulations.

Conclusion

In summary, privacy by design is crucial for companies in today’s digital landscape. By proactively incorporating privacy into their product design process, companies can protect the personal information of their users and build trust with their customers. By adhering to the best practices discussed above, companies can demonstrate their commitment to privacy and gain a competitive edge.

Ready to begin incorporating privacy by design into your own company’s systems? Contact us today for more information and for expert help with your efforts.