Something's Rotten in the State of Data: A Wake-up Call for Digital Privacy
Ronni K. Gothard Christiansen
Technical Compliance Expert & CEO @ AesirX | Empowering Businesses with First-Party Consent Management & Data Solutions | 25+ Years Open Source Advocate, X-BoD Open Source Matters Inc.
"To accept or not to accept, that is the question." The familiar dilemma we face as digital citizens when greeted with the ubiquitous "Do you accept cookies?" prompt. However, what if I told you that your data embarks on a journey to third-party services, like Google and Facebook, even before you make a choice? This revelation isn't from Shakespeare's Hamlet but the digital landscape of Denmark.
In recent headlines from the Ministry of Digitalization, we learn that tech giants are collecting data from Danish websites before users can grant or deny consent. It's a situation that demands our attention and underscores the critical importance of safeguarding our digital privacy.
This issue isn't limited to one or two websites; it's pervasive. A comprehensive study by the Digitalization Agency reveals that a staggering 97% of Danish websites transmit data to third parties like Google and Facebook, all before you've even had a chance to click "yes" or "no."
What data are they gathering, you might wonder? The answer remains elusive. The study didn't delve into the specifics of what information is being shared, making it difficult to ascertain the legality of these practices. While websites are allowed to share essential cookies necessary for site functionality, any data related to your browsing history, articles read, or search queries require your consent.
This raises serious concerns. Data is power, and in the wrong hands, it can be misused. With tech giants amassing troves of user information, our digital lives become an open book. We risk being trapped in filter bubbles, subjected to incessant targeted ads, and repeatedly exposed to the same products and messages—all without our informed consent.
Digitalization Minister Marie Bjerre (V) expresses her alarm at the extent of this issue. She rightfully questions the ethics of such widespread data harvesting. The magnitude of data collection raises doubts about legality, and she's committed to addressing this challenge head-on.
The situation extends beyond private websites to public entities. Even government websites, including agencies and municipalities, are implicated. Trust is vital when it comes to handling sensitive information, and we should be able to trust that our data isn't shared without our consent.
So, where do we go from here? Digitalization Minister Bjerre is determined to investigate further. She has already launched an examination into 200 of the websites involved in the study, both public and private. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: this issue is a top priority.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, safeguarding our data is non-negotiable. We must continue to hold both private and public entities accountable for their data handling practices. Our digital privacy is worth protecting.
It's time to rewrite the script, not just in Denmark but worldwide. Let's ensure that digital privacy isn't a casualty in the digital age. After all, to protect or not to protect our data should always be our choice.
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Ronni K. Gothard Christiansen // VikingTechGuy
Creator, AesirX.io
On a final note i would like to remind you that we invented AesirX Shield of Privacy so that you can Reclaim Your Privacy. Any business owner or organization that is amongst the 97% who are not respecting the law nor their customers, can go to AesirX Analytics and download a Free and Open Source Analytics Alternative that prevents 3rd Parties and BigTech from stealing data.
AesirX Analytics can also be downloaded With 1 click installation and a free registration for: WordPress, Joomla and Drupal (Coming Next Week) giving 50% of the World Wide Web an actual alternative based on the AesirX Decentralized Consent & Data Ownership Model.
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