MEF blog on privacy quotes Preiskel article on concerns on use by apps of personal data 

The article prepared by Daniel Preiskel, with input from associate Natalia Porto, reads as follows: “Recent concerns with Uber’s use of personal data have shown that many mobile apps still have much to improve in terms of transparency of processing of personal data.  Consumers remain unaware of how their personal data is being processed by mobile apps as the privacy notices are usually too long and complex. Although most apps request users’ permission to collect their personal data, they fail to explain how consumers’ personal information will be used. For example, an app might request access to the user’s location without further explanation about the purposes for which such data is being collected.

Processing personal data fairly and lawfully is the first principle of the EU Data Protection Directive.  Fairness requires transparency about what data is being collected and the purposes for which such information will be used. If adopted, the proposed EU Data Protection Regulations will improve consumers’ data protection in respect of mobile apps as it introduces the concept of ‘privacy by design’. This means that app developers will have to build privacy controls into systems from the start, meaning the mobile app industry will be challenged to adapt privacy notices and policies to the usability of their products.

Ensuring that mobile apps are transparent in how they use personal data, is the first step to ensure consumers can make a conscious choice in respect of use of their personal data.”

The full Industry Views Article including all the various contributions can be found at: