The topic of personal data collection isn’t new. In fact, it’s something many have been forced to tolerate for a very long time. This is largely because, in most cases, data is collected without consent and with little or no choice for opting out.
But one thing is certain: unconsented personal data collection has never been treated as a norm, nor has any individual, company, or authority ever been explicitly given a free pass to adopt this approach. People have voiced this concern for years, but with little meaningful action taken to address it, they’ve been left with no choice but to continue tolerating it.
Now, it has been alleged that double standards are in play when it comes to raising concerns of data collection in Malaysia. Apparently, resistance to locally related matters tends to be louder, while major scandals involving tech giants – like Google’s recent case in California – are largely met with silence. That in itself is a curious assumption.
So, why are concerns surrounding the Mobile Phone Data (MPD) initiative, PADU, MyDigital ID and so on making headlines, or being discussed extensively both online and offline among local “critics”? If it wasn’t obvious already, it’s because topics like these hit closer to home – especially involving potential data breaches, which is already a significant yet recurring worry for many. Moreover, local concerns are louder simply because the parties involved are already within earshot. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but here we are.
Meanwhile, major companies are usually out of reach and rarely respond, regardless of how loud the complaints are. More often than not, it takes a major incident – such as the aforementioned Google scandal – to prompt a reaction. Alternatively, they might respond when authorities are involved.
That said, maybe there are double standards – just not the kind being implied. It took the state of California and the European Union to step in and hold tech giants accountable in their respective regions. So, combatting misinformation and upholding online child safety aside, when are we going to see similar actions against unconsented data collection by Google, Meta and Apple in Malaysia?
At the end of the day, it’s not about “why are we being targeted when others are doing it too?” It’s about recognising the concerns (be it regarding privacy or otherwise) raised by those under your care and responding to them appropriately and responsibly. Some transparency would help too.
Acknowledging these issues, along with efforts to educate and provide clarification (which have been made and are appreciated), is certainly the right way forward. However, responding with belittling remarks like “just turn off your phone” or throwing accusations won’t be doing anyone any favours.
