Proposing a Privacy-First Approach to Address Online Harms

The Chaos of Online Regulation: A Call for Privacy First

Every year, we see a flurry of new bills proposed by state, federal, and international regulators aimed at addressing various digital issues, from child safety to artificial intelligence. However, these scattered proposals often miss the mark, relying on censorship and fleeting news cycles. In a new report titled “Privacy First: A Better Way to Address Online Harms,” the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) offers a different approach.

The report highlights the common thread among many of the internet’s problems: the pervasive corporate surveillance that underpins the online ecosystem. By dismantling this surveillance-based business model, we can not only enhance digital privacy but also pave the way for more meaningful discussions about the future of the internet.

So, what would a comprehensive privacy law entail? According to the EFF, key components should include banning online behavioral ads, data minimization, opt-in consent, user rights to access and control their data, non-preemption of state laws, strong enforcement mechanisms, and more.

A robust data privacy law can have far-reaching benefits, from safeguarding privacy and free expression to supporting journalism and fostering digital justice. It can also help limit private data collection for AI training, curb foreign government surveillance, and promote competition in the tech industry.

While comprehensive privacy legislation won’t solve every issue, it represents a significant step towards a more user-friendly and humane technological landscape. By prioritizing privacy, we can address a multitude of online challenges and create a safer, more secure digital environment for all.