Consumers Have Rights
Although the integration of the internet in everyday life provides various benefits, it also creates more significant risks for consumers. Every action they make online leaves a digital footprint. Names, addresses, phone numbers, email accounts, credit card numbers, banking information, purchase history, social media interactions, and even personal communications are easily accessible. As this personal information could result in theft and fraudulent activity, the government has implemented policies to protect the privacy and rights of consumers.
Companies Have Obligations
Consumers have a right to privacy. They have a right to know when their information is being recorded and how that data is used. Consumers can request to be removed from marketing channels or reject the use of their information in any manner. If they provide businesses with data, they also have the assurance that it will remain confidential and secure. If a consumer wants to learn more about how a business uses their data, they can put in data subject access requests (DSAR) to learn more. When their rights or violated or a company refuses to comply, consumers have the right to file a complaint and even receive compensation.
Common Consumer Data Mistakes
Most entrepreneurs jump head first into starting a business and implementing marketing and sales processes without understanding their obligations and consumer rights. The consequences can prove challenging to overcome whether they unknowingly or maliciously implement these practices. Could you be making common consumer data mistakes? Review this list to learn more.
Buying Or Selling Consumer Data
It’s not uncommon for businesses to turn to third-party sources to acquire or sell information on their target audiences. Although no federal laws exclusively prevent this act, some states have policies to protect consumers. If you operate, purchase, or disclose consumer data to a source within those regulated states, it could cause legal and financial issues.
Even if you are not legally on the hook, buying and selling consumer data can cause mistrust between you and your target audience. It can ruin your credibility and reputation and ultimately lower your profit potential.
Violating Company Privacy Policies
Most companies develop data privacy policies to ensure the safety and confidentiality of consumer information. It’s an effective way to reduce customer suspicions and anxiety and strengthen business relationships. However, once you establish these policies, you must ensure you comply or suffer the consequences.
Let’s say you vowed to never share or sell consumer data with third-party sources without prior consent. Then, a customer files a DSAR and discovers that you did misuse their data. They can file a complaint with the local and federal governments and request an investigation. You could be financially liable if the agency determines that you’ve violated your privacy policies.
Poor Data Security Measures
As a business, it’s vital to protect consumer data to ensure that it is not stolen or used for fraudulent purposes. Although nothing is foolproof, you could be in serious financial trouble if your business encounters a security breach. Such outcomes are possible if it is determined that negligence or inefficient security measures resulted in the breach. Your business could face fines and be responsible for compensating any customers impacted by the cyberattack.
Data is one of a company's most vital tools to maintain success. Be that as it may, mishandling consumer data can quickly become a business’s worst nightmare. Your ethical, moral, and legal obligation is to acquire, use, store, and manage data efficiently to avoid ruining your reputation, losing business, and facing significant legal ramifications. Any organization guilty of making the consumer data mistakes above should develop practical solutions to maintain positive customer relationships and avoid unfavorable consequences.
