Book Title: Personal Data Protection in Digital Age: Issues and Challenges
Editor: Dr. Ananya Rahul Bibave
Associate Editor: Dr. Sunita Mane Saware
ISBN: 978-81-970102-6-2
Chapter: 11
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/dataprotectionC11/125
Author: Dr. Shivanjali Bhoite, Vice Principal, PES Modern Law College, Pune, Maharashtra 411016, India.
Abstract:
In the realm of the virtual landscape, where meticulous tracking of every action is feasible, the semblance of privacy appears more as an idealistic notion than an actuality. Every digital move, from search histories to social media engagements, and even keystrokes on electronic devices, contributes to an individual’s discernible digital “footprint.” This encompassing trail is capable of revealing personal identities through an amalgamation of social media posts, work records, consumer habits, location data, and sensitive information pertaining to finance and healthcare. The voluminous nature of the typical digital footprint is evident, as indicated by an analysis of data from over 20,000 users, showcasing that an average individual maintains a staggering 90 online accounts. In the United States, a singular email address is associated with an average of 130 accounts. In the contemporary era marked by remote work and the prevalence of Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD), the demarcation between personal and professional data has blurred significantly. In this evolving paradigm, organizations find themselves compelled to safeguard the privacy of both customers and employees, recognizing that such protection is integral not only for individual rights but also as a strategic imperative for their own security.