Privacy in the5GWorld: TheGDPRin a Datafied Society

Abstract

The datafication of society is likely to increase in the upcoming 5G world and legal safeguards are necessary to ensure our privacy rights are protected. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze some of the unique characteristics of 5G and how the EU General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR) stands as the last legal guardian against unwanted personal data violations. With the increase of data transfer speed and reliability comes the risk of privacy deterioration as 5G interlaces with ubiquitous computing creating a socio‐technical all‐encompassing global web of personal digital data extraction, storage, and transfer that will directly impact the way society organizes itself. The focus of this article is on identifying and understanding the possible threats to privacy protection that may be encountered in the deployment of 5G. Due to its low latency, reliability, high capacity, energy efficiency, and speedy data transmissions, 5G will directly impact the way we interact, communicate, work, and participate in society. For this breakthrough to take place a new generation of communication infrastructure is being designed, created, and implemented in many urban areas in Europe, North East Asia, North America, and other regions of the world. In addition, more intangible elements, such as software, protocols, and standards are being put in place. Not only the volume, velocity, and variety of digital data will increase in the 5G world, but also the value. However, in the fast approaching datafied world, privacy is rapidly becoming a cherished commodity rather than an inherited human right.

The Personal Data Protection Mechanism in the European Union

“…The law also stipulates that third party data sharing will be more restricted since they will have to offer a reasonable explanation for why and how long they need the data and EU residents now have the right to request their personal data from companies (see Table 2). (Teatini and Matinmikko-Blue, 2020) Data Protection Regulation in Europe…”

“…So, if genuine efforts have been made to pseudonymize personal data, the law looks favourably at these efforts in legal cases. Effectively, GDPR will apply to all types of data collected, whether it is directly identifiable or quantitative and technical data from or about any EU resident (Teatini and Matinmikko-Blue, 2020).…”

“…In Europe, the current law that covers personal data protection was approved by Parliament in April 2016 and after a two-year grace period, allowing national governments and regulators to get ready, was finally put into practice on 25 May 2018. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enacted in order to enable EU citizens and institutions to get better control of their personal data (Teatini and Matinmikko-Blue, 2020). GDPR is the latest legal instrument for personal data protection, which will ensure the introduction of a new generation of communication infrastructure in many urban areas of Europe, Northeast Asia, North America and other regions of the world through an innovative mechanism for managing personal data protection (Teatini and Matinmikko-Blue, 2020).…”

“…The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enacted in order to enable EU citizens and institutions to get better control of their personal data (Teatini and Matinmikko-Blue, 2020). GDPR is the latest legal instrument for personal data protection, which will ensure the introduction of a new generation of communication infrastructure in many urban areas of Europe, Northeast Asia, North America and other regions of the world through an innovative mechanism for managing personal data protection (Teatini and Matinmikko-Blue, 2020). One of the focus of the law is to ensure transparency and accountability in order to minimize risks of individuals' data from being misused.…”

Product Innovation and Design Strategies for 5G Technology in China’s Home Appliance Companies

“…Harold and Kamijima-Tsunoda [11] noted that China, Japan, the United States, and many other countries have made 5G technology development a national strategy and are currently leading in 5G research and deployment [1]. Many studies have also pointed out that the development of 5G mobile technology is a global R&D program involving academia and industry [12][13][14]. Haizar [15] demonstrated that 5G technology has a direct impact on smart product development in the face of disruptive forces that drive digital change in the industry.…”