What is meant by data privacy?

Data privacy refers to the handling of sensitive data in a manner that respects individuals' rights to control their personal information. It encompasses ensuring that any collection, storage, and processing of personal data is done according to the principles of consent and existing regulations designed to protect such data. This means that organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting their data, clearly inform them about how their data will be used, and provide individuals with rights related to their data, such as the ability to access, correct, or delete their information.

The importance of data privacy lies in its role in building trust between individuals and organizations, as well as in preventing misuse of sensitive information that could lead to identity theft, discrimination, or other harms. Therefore, the right handling of sensitive data aligns with legal frameworks such as the GDPR or CCPA, which emphasize the need for organizations to implement protective measures around personal data while maintaining transparency with users.