2.1.2 Why is Data Privacy Important?

If personal data is not kept confidential, or if individuals lack the ability to control how their information is used, personal data can be misused in various ways:

• Criminals can exploit personal data for scams or harassment.

• Companies may sell personal data to advertisers or other external parties without user consent, resulting in unwanted marketing or advertising for users.

• When an individual's activities are tracked and monitored, it can limit their right to freedom of expression.

• Any such outcomes can be detrimental to individuals. For businesses, these consequences can cause irreparable damage to their reputation and result in fines, sanctions, and other legal consequences.

Beyond the tangible impacts of privacy infringement, many individuals and nations consider privacy to have intrinsic value: privacy is seen as a fundamental human right in a free society.