Security, privacy and mobility are three interrelated concepts that are essential for human rights and dignity in the digital age. They enable people to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, opinion, information and association without fear of reprisals, censorship or surveillance. They also allow people to control their personal information and decide who can access it, how it is used and for what purposes. Moreover, they facilitate people’s ability to move freely across physical and digital spaces without undue restrictions or barriers.
However, all three concepts are under threat in the digital age, as new technologies enable States and business enterprises to track, analyze, predict and even manipulate people’s behavior to an unprecedented degree. These technological developments carry very significant risks for human dignity, autonomy and privacy and the exercise of human rights in general. Therefore, it is vital that these technologies are regulated by effective safeguards based on international human rights law and standards.
People face different types of threats and risks in the digital age, depending on their activities, identities and vulnerabilities. Some of the common threats and risks are cyberattacks, cybercrime, surveillance and censorship.
How a Data Breach at Wonga Loans Violated the Privacy and Rights of 250,000 Customers
One of the aspects of privacy in the digital age is personal data protection, which refers to the right of individuals to control their personal data and decide who can access it, how it is used and for what purposes. Personal data protection also encompasses the right to access, rectify, erase or transfer one’s data, and to object or withdraw consent to its processing. Personal data protection is essential for ensuring the respect of human dignity, autonomy and self-determination.
A real example of a personal data breach that violated this aspect of privacy is the case of Wonga Loans, a payday loan company that was hit by a huge data breach in 2017 that compromised the bank details of 250,000 customers. The breach exposed customers to the risk of identity theft, fraud and other financial losses. The breach was reportedly caused by a lack of internal security and compliance with data protection regulations. The company was fined £2.5 million by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and went into administration in 2018.
This example shows the importance of implementing effective safeguards and measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, interception, manipulation or destruction. Such measures may include encryption, authentication, access control, audit logs, breach notification and data minimization. Moreover, it shows the need for individuals to be aware of their rights and obligations regarding their personal data and to exercise them when necessary.
To protect security, privacy and mobility in the digital age, people need to be aware of the threats and risks they face and take measures to prevent or mitigate them. They also need to demand that States and business enterprises respect their human rights and comply with their obligations under international law. Furthermore, they need to support civil society organizations that advocate for human rights in the digital sphere.
Security, privacy and mobility are not only concepts but also values that shape our lives in the digital age. They are essential for human rights and dignity in a world that is increasingly connected and complex. By defending them, we defend ourselves and our future.