Most of our posts have been concentrating on data breach and laptop theft. This one talks in particular about strengthening data security laws which is the need of the hour, especially for private firms.

The recently held conference called ‘A fine balance 2011: location and cyber privacy in the digital age’ focused on maintaining data privacy just when smart phones, credit cards and other devices are tracking user locations.

Here is what Jonathan Bamford, the head of strategic liaison from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), had to say”"We need to inspire public trust into the way information is issued. What do we do as a regulatory option?” “There is no doubt that human activities have a geographic component and some may be more sensitive than others. Your phone is with you all the time so anything that relates to a smartphone can be very powerful in terms of how I live my life.”

It si very important to manage location data carefully, especially those who develop operating systems and applications. Bamford further adds”"People who develop applications have a series of obligations as do those who create the operating systems. Everybody has a role to play.” “If location data is obtained how long do you retain it for? You can build up a picture of how I live my life if you retain it too long.”

Bamford also explained ICO’s role in data security, especially in terms of audit inspections of govt organizations. Currently the general public is under the impression that the information that they fill up on any website is completely secure. They need to carry this impression for long hence data security is of utmost importance. The people also need to know exactly what is being done about their data and where it is sent. This is where location based services come in. All advertisers want your zip code. A zip code allows a advertiser/provider to get more insight into your life. Companies are getting closer to you with technologies like iPhone.

It is time that the ICO keeps a tab over private sector as well. These private companies are using location based services and getting private data of customers. There is a very high chance of this data getting misused. Currently the ICO can only monitor govt bodies. Companies like Facebook, Google and Groupon are a potential threat to privacy. To add oil to the fire, the development of IPv6 networks could be even more threatening as it will be able to access more private data.

According to Richard Hollis, US group of Info systems audit and control association “As we match the physical world to the virtual world, by placing items such as fridges or even your car keys on the internet, firms could have even more access to your data, your location and your life”.

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ICO wants to inspect private firms for data security issues

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