We are the Champions, My Friend

January 28--yes, THIS Friday--is Data Privacy Day. The celebration of this international holiday is an indicator that the world is getting more and more responsive about the relationship between IT and the expectation of privacy, including the legal and political issues surrounding them, otherwise known as information privacy or data privacy.

States appear to be the foremost characters in this effort to safeguard personal information in the internet. Albeit politically motivated, they are in the best position to regulate. United States, together with Canada, established Data Privacy Day just last year in response to the need of raising awareness about the importance of protecting the privacy of their personal information online. Europe for its part came up with the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data, which extends privacy safeguards for personal data undergoing automatic processing. Japan and China, on the other hand, have actively participated in drawing up the Convention on Cybercrime, which aims to harmonize national laws, improve investigative techniques and increase cooperation among nations in order to address internet crimes.

In the commercial and business world, the motivation to cooperate in protecting data and information is not really politically inspired. ICT companies are actually pushed by competition. The leading internet browsers’ response to data privacy is a perfect example. Earlier this week, Firefox and Google Chrome announced that they are getting tools to help users block advertisers from collecting information about them, and that these “Do Not track” tools are just the first in a series. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer would not be left behind as its next version, currently on the works, will include a similar feature. (Click here for the news article)

It is noted that this bandwagon reaction came after some government complaints about online advertisers being able to collect too much data about people in their quest to target ads, but would these companies admit to being ultimately fueled by business rivalry? They would rather appear intent on pleasing governments with the latter’s imaginary leash upon them than be caught keeping a close and competitive but ‘secret’ eye on their adversaries.

Nevertheless, regulation and competition are without doubt bringing the best out of the different ICT companies out there. Because of competition, their innovative reactions transcend limits. Day after day, we are presented with new offerings that truly make life more entertaining and convenient. ICT is definitely proving to be the most dynamic sector. And because of government regulation, this dynamism is kept on check.

But who really emerges as the winner?

You have a Macbook; she has a Blackberry; he has an iPad; and I get to chat with a Spanish cousin who I have not seen for decades, and yet we are able to communicate and be updated with each other’s lives, thanks to wireless broadband, Facebook and Google Translate. What is more, we can be sure that regulatory actors are just around to act once consumer harm becomes obvious. Well, kudos to strong competition and moderate regulatory frameworks, we consumers are bringing home the bacon.

*DISCLAIMER: This is a "macro" take on ICT regulation and competition. The Philippines does not even celebrate Data Privacy Day (at least not yet). 

- Phebean Belle A. Ramos, entry #10

Image Source: http://sleeplessinamman.com/the-winners-of-the-mena-ict-forum-passes-from-oasis-500-competition/prize-draw-winners/