Big data analysis is…big. And it’s only getting bigger. A survey released by NewVantage Partners showed a massive 99% of Fortune 1000 companies will pursue big data programs. For businesses, it just makes sense. The mass amounts of data collected create targeted and positive business outcomes.
The fact that nearly $200 billion is being spent on big data analysis annually shows that businesses spend whatever it takes to get the insights they need – but at what cost to the public? Below, we’ll discuss big data and how to protect yourself from it.
What Does Big Data Analysis Mean?
It’s called big data analysis because it involves studying tons of different kinds of data to find hidden relationships, tendencies, market trends, consumer preferences, and other business-related information they find useful. We’re talking millions of megabytes of online data we often don’t realize is out there.
How They Gather Your Data
You may not be aware, but companies collect your information from multiple sources. Often, we don’t realize the scale of the digital footprint that we’re leaving behind, which means we’re generally unaware of the importance of regularly removing that personal information from the internet. There’s so much out there. Here’s how they do it:
- Online Activity: Cookies and tracking pixels websites are used to look at all your clicks, searches, and purchases online.
- Social Media: Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram know everything about you, from your interests to interactions up to where you live.
- Public Records: Publicly accessible government databases contain information like property ownership records or voter registration rolls.
- Purchases: They can access loyalty program data, credit card transactions, or shopping carts online.
- Apps: Many apps request permissions to access personal contact lists, including location, which they then sell to data brokers.
Effects on the General Public
Some people think it’s good – it offers personalized services, albeit raising serious concerns concerning privacy. Personal details can be gathered, stored, and analyzed without an individual’s knowledge through explicit consent, making everyone feel targeted. It’s not ‘Big Brother’ that’s watching, it’s all the times you’ve accepted permissions and cookies.
Companies develop detailed profiles about individuals, leading to precise and sometimes invasive marketing. The more we have data collected and stored, the higher the risk of hacking it. Data breaches expose sensitive information, resulting in identity theft and financial loss.
Tips to Save Yourself from Big Data Analysis
Using ad blockers, VPNs, and browser extensions is essential to reducing the information websites gather about you.
Change your social media account settings and other accounts’ privacy settings frequently so they won’t capture all your details. Many websites and services provide options that allow users to opt out of certain types of data collection; you just have to find them. You can do it by Googling the company and opting out of data collection.
It’s also important when installing apps to pay close attention to the permissions requested. Often, they’re asking for completely unnecessary permissions.
You can also use the data removal services we spoke about earlier.
Regulation and Personal Awareness
Even regulatory frameworks are catching up – the GDPR in Europe sets out stringent laws for privacy and data protection.
These laws ensure that personal information cannot be compromised. They mandate companies to disclose how they collect and use personal information, giving individuals more control over their data. Put simply, you have a right to know about your collected data, request access, or even ask for its deletion.
Personal vigilance is also essential. Keep yourself updated, and protect your privacy proactively. Use tools available to limit what information is collected about you, and regularly check your settings on social media sources or other online services.
Big data analysis is a powerful tool for business insights, leading to better decision-making. We understand why they do it, but it isn’t always ethical. Still, most of us are putting ourselves at risk of these big data analysis companies selling our data – it’s up to us to manage who controls it.