There is a high probability that you never set out to find an all-in-one privacy assistant to help you manage your personal data. We understand that – neither did we.
For the majority part of the internet’s existence, there was practically no need to have a privacy assistant too. But things changed when Yahoo’s 3 billion accounts got hacked. And then there was the Cambridge Analytica scandal of Facebook and all hell broke loose.
Our Story
But as our team spent more time talking to the everyday user, a few things became obvious to us:
Almost everyone was aware that their data was being collected and used (and abused) without getting a say in it.
There is no system tool which helps them see the whole picture – who has my data, what are the companies doing with it, and what can the user do about it?
We figured that there has to be a better way to manage your own personal data. Here you will find out how and why we set out to create this solution.
Privacy is the new sustainability
During our early days, when we were researching the problem landscape, the following became very clear to us.
The users are worried about their privacy but still reluctantly kept sharing their personal data
Every time the user had to sign up on a service or a platform, they had to go through pretty much the same process
Even though privacy laws were in place, exercising their privacy rights was not streamlined
The user had to go through piecemeal solutions in order to gain partial control of their personal data
This was also found out in the research done by Cisco 2021 where they found out that globally, people could not figure out what companies were doing with their data. Even our survey in 2022 showed that most of the users would want to have more control over their personal data and online privacy.
Consumer-centric approach will create the most impact
A consumer-centric approach is essential in defining the new privacy tools that will have the most impact. Currently, there is a disproportionate number of business-to-business (B2B) solutions compared to business-to-consumer (B2C) solutions, indicating a lack of focus on the needs and preferences of individual consumers.
Consumers are the ones who generate data in the first place, and therefore, the conversation about privacy should start with them. By considering the perspectives and priorities of consumers, privacy tools can be designed and implemented in a way that meets their needs and addresses their concerns.
Data privacy is not just a matter of personal responsibility, it is a matter of human rights. It is the right to control one's own life, and that includes control over one's own data.
Edward Snowden
Furthermore, a consumer-centric approach can help to build trust and establish a positive relationship between businesses and consumers. By prioritizing the privacy and security of consumer data, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and responsible data management. This can foster a sense of confidence and loyalty among consumers, and ultimately lead to more successful and sustainable business practices.
Users need transparency and trust
Digital users need trust and transparency when it comes to data privacy and data ownership. They don't just want a binary option of keeping or deleting their information; they want more control and transparency in the way their data is collected, used, and shared.
Users value transparency and value-based information exchange, and they expect businesses to be open and honest about their data practices. This includes clearly communicating how data is collected, used, and shared, as well as providing options for users to opt in or opt-out of certain data collection and usage.
Companies win with a better-managed digital footprint too
By being transparent and giving users control over their data, businesses can build trust and establish a positive relationship with their customers. This is particularly important in today's digital age, where data privacy and security concerns are at the forefront of many consumer's minds. By prioritizing trust and transparency, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to ethical data practices and help to build a more secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem for all users.
