As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology and data-driven processes, the legal ramifications are becoming complex, and clarification is more vital than ever. Although the benefits are far-reaching for customer service, decision-making and technology development, the legal landscape must develop quickly to ensure everything is above board.
The data revolution in data-driven industries
Data gathering is part of most industries. It can be more common in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector as well as e-commerce and healthcare.
This data is being used to push forward new technologies, aiming to improve and streamline business processes. By using data to inform AI you are able to help it to learn and begin to predict things like consumer habits, projections in construction and smart routing for delivery vehicles.
The legal landscape for data protection
The main piece of legislature that governs data protection is the General Data Protection Regulation which has been enacted in the UK in the Data Protection Act 2018. This controls and regulates how businesses, organisations and governments use your personal information.
The implementation of data protection officers is a legal requirement for most companies and their role is to ensure the business complies with the law. Businesses can opt to employ a firm of data protection lawyers to advise them on all things data protection as well as freedom of information, privacy law and information governance.
Data protection lawyers as strategic advisors
Until recently, data protection lawyers have been purely legal advisors for businesses. But as their role has developed they have taken on a more strategic role. For example, in the event of a data breach, your data protection lawyer can support you and minimise the impact on your customers, employees and cash flow.
These lawyers are also able to help you navigate the minefield that is ethical data practices. They can help to ensure that all data is collected and analysed ethically. If you are thinking of branching out and trying something new, your lawyer can support you from the start and ensure everything is above board.
Navigating complex data sharing and consent issues
When done properly, sharing data can create a network of businesses that are working together to achieve a common goal. This means that the goal can be achieved quickly and harmoniously. However, this does not always work as different parties have conflicting ideas of how to share data that they potentially own, and do not want to risk it being used inappropriately if they do share.
Maintaining the privacy of the individuals that the data belongs to is where your data protection lawyer will excel. They will guide you through sharing it safely and ethically whilst still maintaining control and keeping your business interests at heart.
