--- title: "Data Scandals in the Age of GDPR: Changing our Perceptions of Data" description: Everyone knows about the importance of GDPR; but if this was true, then how come there still data scandals occurring due to the gross misuse of data? A global shift in how we view data needs to occur in order for data to be handled with the care it deserves. image: https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Data%20Scandals%20Blog%201.png --- close ## Ready to level up your insights? Get ready to streamline, scale and supercharge your research. Fill out this form to request a demo of the InsightHub platform and discover the difference insights empowerment can make. A member of our team will reach out within two working days. close ## Cost effective insights that scale Quality insight doesn't need to cost the earth. Our flexible approach helps you make the most of research budgets and build an agile solution that works for you. Fill out this form to request a call back from our team to explore our pricing options. [![FlexMR logo](https://www.flexmr.net/skin/images/images-custom/2b221b67-b091-4584-9017-872ee2ddf960-logo.svg)](https://www.flexmr.net/) Book a Demo Request Pricing [Contact Us](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/) Menu - [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/) - [InsightHub](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) - [What is InsightHub?](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) - [Data Collection](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-collection/) - [Data Analysis](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-analysis/) - [Data Activation](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-activation/) - [Research Templates](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates/) - [Information Security](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/information-security/) - [Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) - [Our Expert Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) - [Support & Education](https://www.flexmr.net/services/support-and-education/) - [Consultative Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/consultative-services/) - [Insight Delivery](https://www.flexmr.net/services/insight-delivery-services/) - [Research Methods](https://www.flexmr.net/methods/) - [Sectors We Work With](https://www.flexmr.net/sectors/) - [About](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) - [About Us](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) - [Leadership](https://www.flexmr.net/about/leadership/) - [Meet the team](https://www.flexmr.net/about/meet-the-team/) - [Advisory Board](https://www.flexmr.net/about/advisory-board/) - [Press & Media](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/press) - [Accolades](https://www.flexmr.net/about/accolades/) - [Careers](https://www.flexmr.net/about/careers/) - [Blog](https://blog.flexmr.net/) - [Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net) - [Contact](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/) - [Book a Demo](https://blog.flexmr.net/) - [Request Pricing](https://blog.flexmr.net/) - [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/) - [InsightHub](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) - - [What is InsightHub?](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) - [Data Collection](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-collection/) - [Data Analysis](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-analysis/) - [Data Activation](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-activation/) - [Research Templates](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates/) - [Information Security](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/information-security/) - ![Camp InsightHub](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/camp_insighthub_nav.png) Embark on a new adventure. Join Camp InsightHub, our free demo platform, to discover the future of research. [Sign Up Today](https://insighthub.flexmr.net/users/new) - ![FlexMR InsightHub](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insighthub_screenshot.png) Read a brief overview of the agile research platform enabling brands to inform decisions at speed in this PDF. [Download Brochure](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/InsightHub_Brochure.pdf) - ### InsightHub on the Blog - [Surveys, Video and the Changing Face of Agile Research](https://blog.flexmr.net/surveys-video-changing-agile-research) - [Building a Research Technology Stack for Better Insights](https://blog.flexmr.net/research-technology-stack) - [The Importance of Delegation in Managing Insight Activities](https://blog.flexmr.net/delegation-importance-insight-activities) - [Common Insight Platform Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)](https://blog.flexmr.net/platform-pitfalls-how-to-avoid-them) - [Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) - - [Our Expert Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) - [Support and Education](https://www.flexmr.net/services/support-and-education/) - [Consultative Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/consultative-services/) - [Insight Delivery Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/insight-delivery-services/) - [Research Methods](https://www.flexmr.net/methods/) - [Sectors We Work With](https://www.flexmr.net/sectors/) - ![FlexMR Services Team](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/services.jpg) Our services drive operational and strategic success in challenging environments. Find out how. [Download Brochure](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/FlexMR_Services_Brochure.pdf) - ![Video Close Connection Programme](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/video_services.jpg) Close Connections bring stakeholders and customers together for candid, human conversations. [Read Press Release](https://resources.flexmr.net/close-connections-launch) - ### Explore our Practices - [Communities Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) - [Closeness Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/customer-closeness/) - [CX Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/customer-experience/) - [Insight Communications Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/insight-communications/) - [About](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) - - [About Us](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) - [Leadership](https://www.flexmr.net/about/leadership/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.flexmr.net/about/meet-the-team/) - [Advisory Board](https://www.flexmr.net/about/advisory-board/) - [Press & Media](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/press) - [Accolades](https://www.flexmr.net/about/accolades/) - [Careers](https://www.flexmr.net/about/careers/) - ![FlexMR Credentials Deck](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/flexmr_credentials.png) The FlexMR credentials deck provides a brief introduction to the team, our approach to research and previous work. [Download Credentials](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/FlexMR_Credentials.pdf) - ![FlexMR Insights Empowerment](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insights_empowerment.png) We are the insights empowerment company. Our framework addresses the major pressures insight teams face. [Download Brochure](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/Insights_Empowerment_Brochure.pdf) - ### Latest News - [Insight as Art Shortlisted for AURA Innovation Award](https://resources.flexmr.net/aura-innovation-award-2021) - [FlexMR Launch Video Close Connection Programme](https://resources.flexmr.net/close-connections-launch) - [VideoMR Analysis Tool Added to InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/videomr-launch) - [FlexMR Makes Shortlist for Quirks Research Supplier Award](https://resources.flexmr.net/quirksmr-mr-supplier-award-2020) - [Blog](https://blog.flexmr.net) - - [Latest Posts](https://blog.flexmr.net) - [Strategic Thinking](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/strategic-thinking) - [Technology & Trends](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/tech-trends) - [Research Methods](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/research-methods) - [Practical Application](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/practical-application) - [Insights Empowerment](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/insights-empowerment) - [View Full Blog Archives](https://blog.flexmr.net/all) - ![FlexMR Close Connection Programme](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/close_connection.png) Discover how to build close customer connections to better support real-time decision making. [Build Connections](https://blog.flexmr.net/practical-support-real-time-decisions) - ![Market Research Playbook](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/market_research_playbook.png) What is a market research and insights playbook, plus discover why should your team consider building one. [Discover Playbooks](https://blog.flexmr.net/market-research-playbook) - ### Featured Posts - [Five Strategies for Turning Insight into Action](https://blog.flexmr.net/5-strategies-turn-insights-into-action) - [How to Design Surveys that Ask the Right Questions](https://blog.flexmr.net/effective-survey-design-guide) - [Scaling Creative Qual for Rich Customer Insight](https://blog.flexmr.net/scale-creative-qual-rich-understanding) - [How to Measure Brand Awareness: The Complete Guide](https://blog.flexmr.net/measure-brand-awareness) - [Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net) - - [All Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net) - [Client Stories](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/case-studies) - [Whitepapers](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/whitepapers) - [Events & Webinars](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/events) - [The Open Ideas Panel](https://ideas.flexmr.net/auth/sign_in) - [InsightHub Help Centre](https://help.flexmr.net/en) - [FlexMR Client Network](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9165407/) - ![Insights Empowerment Readiness Calculator](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insights_calculator.png) The insights empowerment readiness calculator measures your progress in building an insight-led culture. [Get Your Score](https://resources.flexmr.net/insights-empowerment-calculator) - ![MRX Lab Podcast](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/flexmr_podcast.png) The MRX Lab podcast explores new and novel ideas from the insights industry in 10 minutes or less. [Listen Now](https://resources.flexmr.net/mrx-lab-podcast) - ### Featured Stories - [Specsavers Informs Key Marketing Decisions with InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/specsavers) - [The Coventry Panel Helps Maintain Award Winning CX](https://resources.flexmr.net/coventry-building-society) - [Isagenix Customer Community Steers New Product Launch](https://resources.flexmr.net/isa-insights) - [Curo Engage Residents with InsightHub Community](https://resources.flexmr.net/curo) - [Research Methods](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/research-methods) / - [Practical Application](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/practical-application) / 8 MIN READ ## Data Scandals in the Age of GDPR: Changing our Perceptions of Data #### Sally Nicholls # [Workshops and Beacons: A Guide to Building Custome...](https://blog.flexmr.net/workshops-beacons-customer-salience) Most organisations are not short of data, insight or decks.Their biggest challenge is not whether cu... [Read more](https://blog.flexmr.net/workshops-beacons-customer-salience) 9 MIN READ #### Ed Hill - [Events (1)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/events) - [Insights Empowerment (38)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/insights-empowerment) - [Practical Application (178)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/practical-application) - [Research Methods (285)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/research-methods) - [Strategic Thinking (232)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/strategic-thinking) - [Survey Templates (7)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates) - [Tech & Trends (397)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/tech-trends) Since May 2018, GDPR has been well and truly embedded into data protection conversations, and has become the ultimate safety net. People have the right to know what company knows about them and why they hold it, which should really put the consumer in control of the information that they share. But we still don’t read terms and conditions, and we probably never will. While we think we’re accepting website cookies on our terms, it’s become clear that our data still isn’t truly in our control. | ![Tweet from FlexMR](https://www.flexmr.net/images/webpage-images/45-tweet-this-from-flexmr.png) | ***Tweet This*** | | --- | --- | | [GDPR has been around for over a year, but we still don't control our data as we need to and there are numerous businesses exploiting this. How can a change in our data perceptions help us combat this issue?](https://ctt.ac/HUycQ) | | ### Why do we still have Data Scandals? The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal of 2018 was a significant news story. More recently, companies Maya and MIA Fem have sparked further controversy, being exposed for their “extensive sharing of sensitive personal data with third parties, including Facebook”. For those unfamiliar with this scandal, Privacy International found that Maya and MIA Fem were immediately sharing information about users before they agreed to a privacy policy, regardless of whether or not the user had a Facebook account. This allows developers to understand what the users of their app enjoy and improve their apps over time in accordance to this insight. Developers may also use Facebook services to monetise their apps through Facebook and subject to the Facebook user's prior consent, supposedly, Facebook may also use this data to provide that user with more personalised ads. Worryingly, these personalised ads are based on information that a user inputs into the app, eg. information around a woman’s menstrual cycle, how they feel around different times of the month, the contraception they’re using and even when they last had protected or unprotected sex. It feels wrong that we’re still not sure what data we’re handing over to companies, and that there are prominent organisations such as Facebook who are using our data in immoral ways without our say-so. We researchers have an ethical obligation to conduct research faithfully and objectively, which means we have to adhere to strict codes of conduct such as GDPR and the guidelines set out by organisations such as the Market Research Society (UK), Insights Association (US), and ESOMAR (Global). Participants provide their most personal data to market research companies in good faith, some information they wouldn’t even share with their friends (financial information, medical history, personal behaviours, etc.), and in return, we need to ensure that this data is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. It’s a shame that this ethical way of operating hasn’t been incorporated into the core of some businesses. ### Currently, Data is a Viewed as a Hygiene Factor Data is a necessity for businesses. It tells them where the customer is and provides essential moments of truth that are important for business growth. To have data is now the norm and isn’t a commodity anymore; but, it’s what you do with that data that sets your business apart. This was a hot topic at the ‘[When Data Meets Creativity](https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/data-must-have-hygiene-factor-business-today/1595982)’ panel held by Dentsu Aegis this year. Their take is that thinking about data acquisition differently and using creativity to unlock ethically sourced data is the way forward for the industry. To quote a couple of panellists: *"Data is not owned by a company, people should own their data and can select which data they will give to a brand… People are wary about what technology companies are doing with their stored data. To use that data, you’ve got to do it in a very transparent way… that customers feel that you’re not stalking them or selling their information. It’s how you use it ethically that’s going to become interesting."* Whilst this is a valid view, we can safely say that not all data is equal in value; the Maya/MIA Fem scandal has proven this. And so, perhaps this isn’t the best way of thinking about data. There are a number of issues that arise by treating data as a hygiene factor, and most of these issues arise through the perception of data that this treatment perpetuates: that while data is a necessary concern, a fundamental but intangible aspect that everyone has to manage, not everyone knows how to do it in the best way. This leads to a lot of misunderstandings that could otherwise be avoided with a change in perception. ### Data Should be Treated like a Currency Treating data as a currency rather than a hygiene factor will instigate a necessary shift in the consumers’ perception of data, and will result in them truly seeing the worth that their data has to businesses like Maya/MIA Fem. The notion of data being a type of [currency](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelleevans1/2018/03/12/why-data-is-the-most-important-currency-used-in-commerce-today/#7c474b2854eb) is an interesting one. Trading personal information in return for more tailored experiences is almost becoming the model of success for companies who use the data well, such as Amazon and Netflix and even third-party providers assisting big brands like Under Armour. The idea presented in [one Forbes article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelleevans1/2018/03/12/why-data-is-the-most-important-currency-used-in-commerce-today/#7c474b2854eb) is that using reams and reams of data (such as that produced by AI) successfully will help to cultivate the “story of one”, the unique path any one consumer may follow, despite millions of consumers taking a path on the same patch (think eBay). If this notion is to be believed, then the ethical responsibility is most definitely on businesses in this situation. Whilst being a double-edged sword for consumers (if you turned off personalised advertising, you would certainly miss it), they trust brands are using this information for the power of good. | ![Tweet from FlexMR](https://www.flexmr.net/images/webpage-images/45-tweet-this-from-flexmr.png) | ***Tweet This*** | | --- | --- | | [Data is currently viewed as a 'hygiene factor': a fundamental but intangible concept that everyone has to manage, but this throws up a series of serious issues; to counteract this, we should instead view data as a currency.](https://ctt.ac/7c6W3) | | Essentially, data can be treated like money, in that it can and already is exchanged for goods and services. We trust institutions such as banks with our money, but otherwise as consumers we’re very protective over it. This attitude towards data will enable consumers to be extra careful with who they’re giving their data away to, and the change in perception will force businesses such as Maya/MIA Fem to wake up and treat the data as carefully as they already should be under GDPR. ### Changing our Perception of Data If the Privacy International report is to be believed, the Maya/MIA Fem story is just about the biggest data intrusion women could be subjected to. But gender aside, data privacy should be an integral part of business and they must learn to treat data carefully and respectfully. It’s 2019 – let’s learn from those who have these monumental errors and be the champions of ethical data handling as an example for others to follow. #### About FlexMR We are The Insights Empowerment Company. We help research, product and marketing teams drive informed decisions with efficient, scalable & impactful insight. #### About Sally Nicholls Sally brings over 10 years of research experience to the team. Her drive has even led one project she managed to feature on the BBC. #### Stay up to date ## You might also like... ![Blog Featured Image Header](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Blogs/Headers/ways_build_customer_salience_focus_groups.png) ### [5 Ways to Using Focus Groups to Bol...](https://blog.flexmr.net/focus-group-customer-salience) In today’s complex business environment, customer-centricity is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s a baseline expectation. That being said, many organisations still struggle to move from talking ... [Continue reading](https://blog.flexmr.net/focus-group-customer-salience) 7 MIN READ ![Blog Featured Image Header](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Blogs/Headers/qual_research_methods.png) ### [4 Qualitative Research Methods to I...](https://blog.flexmr.net/qualitative-research-methods-customer-centricity) In today’s data-obsessed world, it’s easy to get lost in quantitative data with businesses able to generate quantitative data at scale in quicker times than ever before. But true insight experts know ... [Continue reading](https://blog.flexmr.net/qualitative-research-methods-customer-centricity) 8 MIN READ ![Blog Featured Image Header](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Blogs/Headers/10_common_questions_about_insighthub.png) ### [10 Common Questions About InsightHu...](https://blog.flexmr.net/10-common-questions-about-insighthub) With a suite of impactful integrated data collection, analysis and activation tools, FlexMR’s InsightHub platform is used by many insight teams and experts for impactful insight generation and activat... [Continue reading](https://blog.flexmr.net/10-common-questions-about-insighthub) 13 MIN READ ![](https://www.flexmr.net/skin/images/images-custom/48f118ee-cef9-42d6-b60b-5575d5ac26e3-flexmr_footer.svg) - [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/) - [Contact Us](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/privacy/) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/cookies/) - [Terms of Use](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/terms-of-use/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/flexmr/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/_flexmr) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexmr) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/FlexmrNetOnlineResearch) [![Grit Top 50 Logo](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/44258f4d-7452-40d6-bb23-0e220c8ba21f.png)](https://www.greenbook.org/mr/grit/business-innovation-edition) [![ISO 27001 Alcumus](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/fa89f9b3-d866-43b8-8de0-4a052a9053d8.png)](https://www.alcumus.com/en-gb/certification/iso-27001/) [![Cyber Essentials Plus Logo](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/cba57df6-75a2-4544-9599-dcc0c2f14b79.png)](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Other/FlexMR_Cyber_Essentials_Certificate.pdf?__hstc=163229475.dde2c3d212762f49b059c9f62e7537a0.1624542718433.1626339489304.1626701624468.7&__hssc=163229475.2.1626701624468&__hsfp=3142549060) © FlexMR 2021. All rights reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sally Nicholls", "url" : "https://blog.flexmr.net/author/sally-nicholls" }, "dateModified" : "2021-07-22T12:14:25.827Z", "datePublished" : "2019-11-26T16:41:14.000Z", "headline" : "Data Scandals in the Age of GDPR: Changing our Perceptions of Data", "image" : [ "https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Data%20Scandals%20Blog%201.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.flexmr.net/changing-perception-of-data", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Logos/flexmr_logo_amp.png" }, "name" : "FlexMR" } } ```