Data Privacy Day highlights urgency for data control in ANZ

As Data Privacy Day approaches, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the pressing need for individuals and organisations in Australia and New Zealand to take control of their data. Recent findings reveal a significant concern among Australians, with 70% feeling they possess little to no control over how their data is shared between companies. The situation is compounded by the admission from two-thirds of organisations that their boards lack a comprehensive understanding of data governance challenges.

Keir Garrett, Regional Vice President for Cloudera in Australia and New Zealand, emphasises the growing importance of robust data privacy strategies. Garrett notes that data privacy extends beyond mere compliance with existing regulations like the New Zealand's Privacy Act of 2020 and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) guidelines. It is about empowering users with control over their personal information.

The necessity for enhanced data protection measures is further underscored by recent high-profile cybersecurity breaches, which have significantly eroded public trust and damaged brand reputations across the region. Businesses have been advised to adopt secure-by-design data management platforms that integrate privacy measures from the outset, rather than treating them as an afterthought.

In a related commentary, Ben Chamlet, Senior Director for Solutions Engineering at Twilio in the Asia-Pacific region, highlights the role of AI technologies in shaping the future of data management. Chamlet suggests that organisations need to prioritise transparency in their data collection and retention policies as consumers increasingly demand to know how their data is being used, especially when AI is involved. This perspective is particularly pertinent given that nearly half of global consumers state they would trust a brand more if it disclosed how customer data is used in AI-driven interactions.

A further survey by Twilio reveals that six out of ten Australian consumers believe that protecting their data is paramount for brands seeking to earn their trust. The commentary points to the ethical concerns surrounding invasive third-party cookies and suggests a shift towards first-party data collection. First-party data, being consensually provided by customers or generated through direct interactions, is deemed more ethical and valuable in crafting personalised consumer experiences.

Meanwhile, Anthony Spiteri, Regional CTO for Veeam in the Asia-Pacific region, brings attention to the vulnerabilities in sectors such as healthcare, which accounted for 18% of ransomware attacks last year. Spiteri warns that mere increases in cybersecurity budgets are inadequate in safeguarding data as digital threats continue to evolve. He recommends implementing proactive measures, including robust data encryption and strict access controls, alongside employee training in data security.

As sectors such as healthcare and consumer services remain prime targets for cyber threats, Spiteri argues for the adoption of real-time tracking systems capable of identifying potential vulnerabilities and preventing data leaks. Data Privacy Day, he suggests, serves as a critical reminder for organisations to strengthen their data protection strategies and to foster a culture of security awareness.

The discussions surrounding Data Privacy Day in Australia and New Zealand underscore a heightened need for organisations to balance the benefits of data analytics with a profound respect for individual privacy. As the region's AI policies evolve, the emphasis on transparent and ethical data handling practices is expected to grow, ensuring that businesses can maintain public trust while driving responsible innovation.