Do Not Create a Data DMV
Navigating the Pitfalls of Data Privacy Programs: Lessons from the DMV
Navigating a data privacy program can be like going to the DMV – necessary but frustrating.
This analogy isn't to downplay the importance of either institution. Both serve critical functions. One is for driver enablement and the other for data protection.
The DMV's reputation for inefficiency is a cautionary tale for data privacy programs. It shows the need for simple processes. They must put user experience first while meeting legal needs.
The Parallels between DMV and Data Privacy Programs
At its core, the DMV aims to ensure safe and legal road use. Data privacy programs have a similar goal.
They aim to enable the legal and secure handling of sensitive data. Yet, the DMV accepts bureaucracy as a necessary evil. This has made it synonymous with slow and painful.
This sentiment should not be associated with privacy programs, but sometimes is. Unneeded complexity and friction are not just annoyances. They are barriers to compliance and innovation.
The Solution: Streamlining with Technology
Acknowledging the challenges does not imply succumbing to them. Anonymous data infrastructure is a new way to manage data. It can improve a company's data team's experience and its privacy practice.
It offers "fast lanes" for data science and ML teams. These technologies allow for the swift and responsible use of data.
They ensure compliance without the bottleneck of traditional processes. For instance, Apple and Google have made strides. They use privacy-preserving techniques to make access easy but safe.
The Impact of Fast Lanes in Privacy Programs
Streamlined processes create higher data team productivity. And, a more favorable internal view of the privacy program (more ‘enabling’ and less ‘blocking’).
Moving some of the data access ‘traffic’ to the fast lane also frees up bandwidth for projects that require a high touch. By cutting red tape, groups can foster a culture of compliance and innovation. And, they can avoid having a culture that seeks to avoid compliance because it is painful.
Privacy doesn’t have to be an obstacle. The best organizations make it a seamless part of operations to empower teams, not hold them back.
Moving Forward: Creating Efficient Privacy Programs
As we advance, privacy professionals and leaders face a question. They must balance data protection and company agility. The answer lies in using technology and innovation that can maintain compliance while making data access fast and easy.
What’s next for your organization?
As we look to the future, the goal should be to ensure that our privacy programs do not become like a DMV visit for data.
We can pave the way for a new era of privacy programs that support, not hinder, innovation.
We do this by embracing efficient and compliance-enabling technologies and methodologies.
Have you prioritized adopting anonymization capabilities in house that can streamline your privacy program?
