14 May 2025
Privacy Is Like Home Security — Invisible Until It’s Everything
By Jess Pembroke, Director of Information Law Services
We rarely think about privacy until it’s already been compromised. Much like home security, it’s one of those things we assume is quietly in the background being protected.
This idea came into focus for me after reading a recent piece in The Guardian, where a daughter questions whether her father should be allowed to track her location via his phone. [1] The article invites readers to weigh in: is this kind of digital oversight protective or invasive?
The pervasiveness of smart devices in our lives has normalised a culture of constant surveillance. Smart speakers in our homes are always listening for commands, but they also raise serious concerns about privacy and data security. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has even advised users to adjust their settings after purchase, citing incidents where attackers posed as Father Christmas and engaged in conversations with young children. [2]
The uncomfortable truth is that many companies aren’t selling devices—they’re selling data. The real profit lies not in the hardware, but in the information, we unwittingly hand over. And that’s the least of what these companies of immense power are doing.[3] We often click “accept” on terms and conditions without reading them, trading our privacy for convenience or access. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) launched a call for views on “consent or pay” models “recognising that many users feel they have no real choice”.[4]
Extending beyond families tracking each other, to companies tracking us, and the possibility that they are handing this data to certain international governments to use our data to further their political and ideological aims. For example, TikTok is currently facing a €530 million fine from the EU over unauthorised data transfers to China[5] because the platform failed to adequately protect user data, raising serious concerns about national security and the potential for political or ideological misuse of personal information.
We’ve normalised the erosion of privacy in exchange for convenience, entertainment, or even perceived safety. But just like home security , privacy isn’t something you can afford to ignore until its often too late.
So, what can we do?
- Be aware of what you’re sharing— take a moment to consider whether you really want to buy a product or sign up for an App and understand how to exercise your rights when you don’t want a company to use your data: Your right to limit how organisations use your data | ICO
- Talk about privacy – with your family, especially with children see also: Children and technology: Age-appropriate usage advice | NSPCC
- Push for stronger regulation – the ICO and the Government is taking a more commercially focused approach to personal data use, but we can use our MP’s or take part in ICO consultations such as the one earlier in the year on the ICO’s approach to enforcement.[6]
- Support organisations that advocate for digital rights. See Defend Digital Me | Defend Digital Me who will be speaking at our CILIP Data Protection Conference 2025 – CILIP: the library and information association
Would you like to understand more about Data Protection? Our Essentials course provides a practical approach to understanding data protection. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate data protection in real-world scenarios. Attendees will also gain an understanding of the UK’s key data protection legislation (the UK General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act 2018).
In addition to focusing on key areas of compliance, such as the role of Data Protection Officers, data protection principles, and response strategies to data breaches, this course also covers data protection by design and response strategies to data breaches with confidence.
The next course will run on 3 & 4 June 2025, 9:30am-1pm, book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1047959825047
[1] You be the judge: my dad wants to track my location on his phone. Should he leave me alone? | Life and style | The Guardian
[2] Smart camera and baby monitor warning given by UK’s cyber-defender – BBC News
[3] Careless People – Sarah Wynn-Williams
[4] ICO launches “consent or pay” call for views and updates on cookie compliance work | ICO
[5] TikTok hit by a €530 million fine in the EU for illegally sending Europeans’ data to China
[6] ICO consultation on the revised approach to public sector regulation | ICO