Brave New World of Data Privacy

In a bold move, Brendan Eich, the CEO of the Brave browser, has called upon the U.S. Senate to take a page from Europe’s playbook—specifically, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Published on October 2, his open letter dated September 29 outlines why he believes the GDPR could be the guiding light America needs when it comes to data privacy.

The European Shift: What is GDPR?

The GDPR, which was first proposed by the European Commission in 2012 and went into effect in the EU on May 25, strives to unify data protection across Europe. Its main goal? Empower individuals by giving them greater control over how their personal information is stored and used. And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to hold the reins on their own data?

Brendan’s Arguments: GDPR Meets American Legal Standards

Eich argues that the GDPR principles resonate with the U.S. understanding of privacy. It’s like finding a long-lost twin! He points out that the foundational tenets of the GDPR align with the OECD guidelines endorsed by the U.S. back in 1980. Who knew retro could be so relevant?

Creating a Level Playing Field

According to Eich, the GDPR acts as “a great leveller,” establishing norms that could nurture fledgling firms like Brave in the competitive tech landscape. “If regulators enforce these new rules, dominant platforms may have to rethink how they handle data,” he suggests. This could shift the balance of power in favor of innovative companies by demanding ‘opt-in’ consent for diverse data uses. Imagine the sigh of relief from startups everywhere!

Questioning the Economics of Data Tracking

Eich also takes a magnifying glass to the supposed economic windfall from behavioral tracking—a claim he finds dubious. He contends that an analysis intertwining Google and Facebook’s ad tech revenues with what publishers are actually earning paints a misleading picture. It’s like inviting someone to dinner and serving them crumbs; it just ain’t right!

GDPR vs. Blockchain: A Tangle of Technology

Ironically, while Eich advocates for GDPR, there’s friction between this regulation and blockchain technology. The GDPR mandates that individuals can correct or delete their data, yet once a block is on a blockchain, it’s more permanent than a tattoo. This paradox raises questions about the compatibility of privacy rights and decentralized data.

Brave Takes Action Against Google

Recently, Brave has filed privacy complaints in Ireland and Britain against Google. The claim? Google and the wider ad tech industry engage in “systematic breaches” of data protection, especially when it comes to personalized ads. Brave is using these complaints to invoke GDPR provisions, potentially sparking investigations into Google’s data collection methods. It looks like David is gearing up to take on Goliath!