If in Doubt Opt Out
#TIPS4FAMILIES | Here's why it makes sense to adopt a personal policy of "opting out" of tech apps/services/etc until you are comfortable with what you are sharing...
In a medical procedure theater, laying on an operating table (it was thankfully minor), my doctor and I were talking about one of the various common privacy complaints most people note about their smart phones and social media. But as my doctor shrugged his shoulders, as if it were out of his control, I yelled out “If in doubt, opt out!”
Playing Hard to Get is Best
Rich consumer data has always been sought after for marketing purposes. But today the means of collection and the type of data are both more extensive and increasingly valuable. Data fuels AI, which has forced more creative thinking around how to convince consumers to hand over their details. It’s also attracted many more criminals — and we’ve definitely seen this in the number and scale of data breaches to-date.
Plans for siphoning off more data from us for AI have been in the works for some time. From a 2023 Goldman Sachs report:
“As we reach the limits of publicly available data, private data will likely grow in importance. While proprietary data comes with additional concerns, including around privacy and licensing, companies will be incentivized to find solutions to increase their data pools.”
A good start is to focus on “opting in” versus “opting out.”
It’s likely not something you’ve given much thought to, but it’s incredibly empowering. Because while marketers prefer that you are automatically opted in (to whatever data collection means we are talking about), it can be in all of our best interests to start as opted out. This puts the power back in our hands.
What are We Talking About?
To “opt-in” means that you explicitly agree to allow a company to collect, use, or share your personal data. By default, no data is collected or used without the consumer's active consent.
While to “opt-out” means that companies can collect, use, or share your data by default, and the onus is on you to actively withdraw consent or request that your data not be used.
So…obviously one is best for companies and the other for us as consumers.
More Specifically…
Sounds good, right? But let’s get into the nitty gritty on what we are talking about here.
Better Participation
One of the biggest challenges right now to data privacy is our own complacency. When we must opt-in, we are more likely to read and understand privacy policies and terms of service. This leads to better-informed decisions about personal data sharing — for us and our children.
Reduced Data Exposure
Every service we are opted-into exposes us to data breaches and other unauthorized access of our information. Data theft is increasingly a risk we take when operating online — it’s okay — but we should be cautious and informed by default.
Improved Trust & Transparency
It is more work for marketers but companies using opt-in strategies ultimately demonstrate a commitment to transparency and respect for consumer privacy that’s a win in the end. This builds trust and can lead to stronger, more positive relationships with customers.
While opt-in may result in smaller datasets for companies, the data collected is likely to be of higher quality, as it comes from engaged and willing participants.
Regulated Options
Many modern privacy regulations, such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), require explicit consent for data collection. Opt-in strategies naturally align with these stringent requirements.
What’s Next?
None of this is easy.
Companies may collect less data overall, which could impact certain business models or research initiatives. The point is not to handicap commercial entities that are offering us something we want. Implementing opt-in mechanisms also requires careful design to avoid frustrating users with constant permission requests.
But this is a start to evening out the playing field.
The best news is that you can start today. As mentioned recently regarding the social security breach, you can (and perhaps should) considering freezing your credit and “opting in” to having it accessed only when you need it.
What did I tell the doctor about his smart phone issue? Well, tonight, go through and turn off each app’s permissions and slowly decide which you want and need now.
It’s really that easy.