Exploring Privacy Trends In 2023 

Navigating the evolving landscape of privacy regulations and practices continues to be a daunting task for businesses. As privacy laws transform, understanding the key trends in this domain becomes crucial for all organizations. In a recent webinar, Maxine Henry, a renowned privacy and cybersecurity expert, offered valuable insights into the privacy landscape as it stands in 2023. This blog post aims to encapsulate her insights regarding the forthcoming trends in the field of privacy.

Elimination of Cookies

A significant shift in the privacy space is the phased elimination of third-party cookies. While this transition will reshape digital marketing and personalization strategies, it also presents an opportunity for businesses to create more privacy-centric online experiences.

US-EU Privacy Framework

The development of a new US-EU privacy framework is another trend to watch. This new framework will replace the previous Safe Harbor agreement, defining a structured process for EU-US data transmission. It is essential for businesses involved in cross-Atlantic data sharing to follow this development closely.

Protection of Children’s Data

Protecting children’s data has become a significant focus area in privacy discussions. Regulatory bodies are increasingly pushing for stricter enforcement of privacy laws against companies that mishandle or misuse children’s data, especially in cases of data breaches or unauthorized disclosures.

Henry emphasized the importance of the California Age Appropriate Design Code Act, predicting it will emerge as a pivotal trend in privacy. She explained that many breaches involved children’s data, necessitating tighter legislation to protect this sensitive information. Current acts, like COPPA, may require modifications or enhancements to provide adequate protection.

Vendor Due Diligence

As businesses share more data with second, third, and fourth parties, vendor due diligence is taking a more prominent role. Organizations need to ensure that their vendors’ systems are as secure as their own, especially when handling Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

NIS Directive

If you’re doing business in Europe, it’s crucial to consider the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive, which will form the cybersecurity framework for Europe. This Directive outlines the steps businesses must take to align with cybersecurity requirements in Europe.

Data Localization

Data localization is another significant trend, particularly for companies dealing with financial information. Certain regions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, have introduced data localization requirements, mandating that data created locally must remain within that jurisdiction.

Conclusion

Staying informed about these trends and adapting to them is paramount for businesses to maintain compliance with evolving privacy laws. From the development of new privacy frameworks to the heightened focus on children’s data and vendor due diligence, organizations need to be proactive in their approach to privacy in 2023. By doing so, they can foster trust with their customers, meet regulatory requirements, and ultimately future-proof their privacy programs.