Chapter 1: Introduction to Privacy
Sources of Privacy Protection
Privacy protection comes from four sources: markets, technology, law, and self-regulation/co-regulation. Law is the traditional approach but real protection also depends on the other three.
| Source | How it protects |
|---|---|
| Markets | Consumer and brand pressure leads companies to adopt strong privacy practices |
| Technology | Tools like encryption protect data even where law or markets are weak |
| Law | Traditional approach, but laws may be poorly drafted or enforced |
| Self-regulation / co-regulation | Privacy policies, industry codes, and associations supplement government law |
Three questions for self-regulation
'Self-regulation' covers three components: legislation (who defines the rules), enforcement (who initiates action - DPAs, agencies, industry, individuals), and adjudication (who decides whether a rule was violated).
Key terms - quick answers
What is “Self-regulation”?
A complement to government law that can cover legislation (who defines rules), enforcement (who acts), and adjudication (who decides violations).
What is “Data protection authority (DPA)”?
A government body that may initiate enforcement of privacy rules; common in comprehensive (European) regimes.