Why control of my data is not possible!
Image source: http://www.theduluthmodel.org/
I often ask people to differentiate between “Control” of their data and providing user with “Controls” as in reality we cannot control often even ourselves and some try to exercise control over others.
Control in this case being you can control your data, what happens it, who can use it, what rights you provide and the management platform that sits behind it.
Controls means that someone provides the users with some choice about how their data is used in a specific instance on a specific web site or by a specific service provider.
I contend that control of data is not realistic, even with a personal data store.
Simple example but let’s think about a phone number.
- someone else creates the number for you
- someone else puts your number in a their directory system
- you may have a choice if that number is public (controls)
- your friends enter your number in their own private directories
- your friends may use your “real name” as given on an official document or something else you are known by
- you have no rights to remove your number from someone else phone book system
- have you phoned up an x-lover recently and asked them to scrub out/ rub out/ delete/ memory erase your number
- nothing stops anyone ( ignoring privacy laws – but these are not universal and UK law does not extend beyond our shores and agreements) from posting your number anywhere….
Why do we think we have control over our data?