21.03.2024. » 05:33

OP – ED Human rights in the era of digitalization

We live in an era where digitization is constantly evolving, shaping our everyday lives and the way we communicate, work, and share information.

While technology promises innovation, connectivity with friends, and a more convenient life, it also brings serious questions about data privacy and internet security.

These aspects are becoming crucial elements of human rights in modern society.

Data privacy - Are my data important?

You might think, "I don't have any data that could be useful to anyone." You're mistaken.

Facebook collects and tracks about 52,000 data points on every person registered on its network. This includes various types of data about user behavior, preferences, interactions with other people (yes, among other things, the algorithm also tracks your messages, likes, and comments).

According to their information, these data points are used for personalizing the user experience, targeted advertising, providing better services, and more.

Marketers have access to around 100 data points that they use to target users in their campaigns.

We also have the example of Google knowing that a woman is pregnant even before she herself does. Based on her online behavior, the products she buys, the keywords she searches for, and so on. And how can Google capitalize on this information? By showing targeted ads to that person.

There are also speculations that Trump won the 2016 elections by effectively using social media to reach certain groups of voters with a narrowly targeted message.

From the examples above, you can see that companies use (sell) our data for various purposes. Sometimes it's stated in fine print what our data will be used for, and sometimes it isn't. Transparency regarding the collection and use of data by companies should be crucial, and users should have control over how and to what extent their information becomes part of the digital ecosystem.

Internet security: Users must be cautious, and companies even more so.

As we face threats such as cyber-attacks, identity theft, and online fraud, it is essential for each of us individually to take care of our internet security.

Companies play a crucial role in providing a secure environment for their users, but users must also take active steps to protect their personal data.

Raising awareness about internet security should be a priority.

People need to understand the importance of using strong passwords, regularly updating software, securing the network they connect to (free/open Wi-Fi networks are often compromised, and the data of connected users stolen), and being cautious when sharing sensitive information online.

On the other hand, we have various cases where databases of various companies have leaked, and user accounts have been sold. Even the database of one domestic company appeared in ads on a forum.

Companies must invest in security infrastructures that protect user data from unauthorized access and misuse.

Digital literacy - The key to security and protection of private data on the internet

The fight for data privacy cannot be effective without a strong focus on digital literacy.

Users need to be educated about how the digital world works, how to protect themselves from threats, and what information can be safely shared on networks.

Digital literacy is essential for preserving human rights in the era of digitization.

Digital literacy includes not only a basic understanding of technology, but also the ability to think critically about digital challenges. This includes recognizing fake news, understanding the risks of online interactions, and the ability to protect personal data.

Education on digital literacy should be part of formal education but also available through various forms of training for all ages.

The fines imposed on companies in recent years represent an important step towards more responsible data handling, but they also indicate the urgency of aligning laws with rapid technological progress.

Therefore, it is of paramount importance that both companies and individuals actively contribute to the development and implementation of norms that protect privacy and human rights in the digital space.

Digitization should not be a source of endangering human rights but an opportunity to build a sustainable and ethical digital society.

Vladimir Vučković,

Director of operations in digital agency W3 Lab