The business case for data privacy: beyond legal compliance

Sponsored by C. Mputhia Advocates

Dr Cathy Mputhia-Mugendi, the CEO and lead consultant at C. Mputhia Advocates, and Associate Advocates Davis Too, Amos Shihundu and Lindah Nchaban.

Photo credit: Pool

The approach to data privacy policies and measures is not a one-size fits all solution as they must be tailored to each business, as the risks and requirements vary depending on industry, customer demographics, and the types of data collected. For example, healthcare providers handle sensitive medical data, which includes patient health histories and treatment information. Educational institutions store sensitive information about children, such as academic records, family data, and personal identifiers. Telecommunications businesses, on the other hand, handle real-time sensitive data, including text messages, location data, and internet usage, all of which must be protected to prevent misuse or breaches. The sensitivity of data directly correlates with the risk of breaches, which can lead to substantial fines and significant damage to brand reputation. Businesses handling sensitive data must implement strong privacy measures, ensuring limited access and providing customers with the assurance that their data is secure. Each business handles different data and faces different privacy threats.