Privacy by Design [ A Quick Recap of the 7 Principles ] Featured Image

Privacy by Design [ A Quick Recap of the 7 Principles ]

What does it mean to implement Privacy by Design?

With the increasing digitization of our lives, the topic of user privacy is becoming increasingly important. Data protection laws around the world now require organizations to implement technical and administrative measures to protect user privacy. But what does that mean in practice? 

Privacy by Design is a privacy-first approach to systems engineering that comprises seven fundamental principles.

These principles help organizations secure personal data and ensure that privacy is embedded into every tool, process, system, product and service of any organization. The idea was developed by Ann Cavoukian, an expert in data privacy and protection and the former Information and Privacy Commissioner for the province of Ontario, Canada, between 1997 and 2014. In 2010 the framework achieved international recognition from the International Assembly of Privacy Commissioners and Data Protection Authorities and is part of the General Data Protection Regulations that went into effect in 2018. 

To respect and put user privacy first is a core company value for Incognia.

At Incognia we recognize that collecting, storing and working with location data raises important considerations regarding user privacy and we view ensuring the privacy of location data as paramount. As a company we have chosen to follow the seven fundamental principles of Privacy by Design to ensure that privacy is built into our products by default, rather than as an afterthought or compliance checkbox. 

How does a company implement Privacy by Design?  

The seven fundamental principles that shape Privacy by Design must be present in all technology, processes, culture and governance of a company.

In other words, privacy must be an intrinsic part of a company’s DNA.

The seven principles of Privacy by Design are as follows:

  • Principle 1: Proactive not Reactive; Preventive not Remedial

  • Principle 2: Privacy by Default

  • Principle 3: Design-embedded Privacy

  • Principle 4: Complete Functionality

  • Principle 5: End-to-end Security and Protection throughout the Data Lifecycle

  • Principle 6: Visibility and Transparency

  • Principle 7: Respect for User Privacy


To learn more about Privacy by Design, and how Incognia has implemented each of the principles, download our ebook: Delivering Privacy by Design.

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