The privacy it is often seen as an obstacle by the protagonists of the business world, especially by international companies. This is particularly evident in the comparison between Europa e United Stateswhere many perceive the European model as a brake on competitiveness. Guido Scorza, member ofData Protection Authorityoffers a more balanced perspective: “Privacy does not want to be, must not be, the enemy of markets, security (…) or health for those who carry out medical research. It is a fundamental right, like many others.”
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The Guarantor’s words highlight the need for a compromise: privacy, far from being an obstacle, can become an essential component for the sustainable business.
European rules and global markets: two visions compared
European privacy regulations, such as GDPRare often perceived by companies as an obstacle. Guido Scorza, member ofData Protection Authorityexplains it clearly: “I understand perfectly that any regulation that aims in some way to limit the margin of maneuver of those who market is registered (…) as an element of slowing down or as an obstacle to the pursuit of the main objective of any company and therefore the business.” However, this perception is based on a partial and superficial reading of the implications of these rules.
Privacy does not want to be, must not be, the enemy of markets, safety or health for those who carry out medical research.
Il GDPR it is not just a set of constraints, but represents an advanced model of protection of individual rights, which translates into a competitive advantage in the long term. The objective of the legislation is twofold: to protect citizens’ personal data and create an environment of trust that fosters sustainable relationships between consumers and companies. This combination makes the GDPR a cornerstone of the European single market, rather than a simple obstacle.
As underlined by Scorza, privacy protection in Europe is not a flexible concept nor subject to temporary compromises: it is “set in stone in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.” This vision elevated to a cardinal principle of the European legal system makes the GDPR not just a legislative instrument, but a real one a competitive asset. For companies that want to operate in European markets, respecting these rules means guaranteeing transparency and consolidating customer trust, a strategic value in a global economic landscape that is increasingly sensitive to the protection of personal data.
This regulatory approach highlights a fundamental difference compared to other contexts, such as the United States, where regulation is often less stringent. However, Scorza reiterates that the gap is narrowing: “If we look at what has happened in recent years in the United States of America, we find a parliament, we find governors in individual states (…) who have progressively asked companies to make an effort significant.” This development suggests that the European model, focused on the protection of fundamental rights, could soon become a source of inspiration for other global economies too.
Privacy protection in Europe is not a flexible concept nor subject to temporary compromises: it is set in stone in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Underlying this view is a key principle: privacy rules are not one ballastbut an element that raises the quality of the market, stimulating transparency, responsible innovation and commercial relationships based on mutual trust.
The challenge of artificial intelligence
The evolution of technologies based onartificial intelligence (AI) highlighted an increasingly marked conflict between rapid innovation and the need for ethical regulation. A significant case is that of ChatGPTthe generative artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI, which had to temporarily suspend the service in Italy to adapt to the GDPR. Guido Scorza, member ofData Protection Authorityexplains the context: “We simply, I think I can say, reminded OpenAI (…) that to provide a service of that kind in Europe it was necessary to respect the European regulations on the protection of personal data.”
Privacy rules are not a burden, but an element that raises the quality of the market, stimulating transparency, responsible innovation and commercial relationships based on mutual trust.
This intervention was not conceived as an obstacle to innovation, but rather as a reminder that even the most advanced technologies must respect the fundamental rights of European citizens. The suspension, which lasted a few days, allowed OpenAI to adapt its data processing practices, demonstrating that it is possible to combine technological innovation e compliance with the regulations.
Scorza underlines that these reminders are not aimed at slowing down progress, but at encouraging progress ethical and sustainable approach. Adapting to European rules, in fact, is not just a question of compliance, but can represent a competitive advantage in the long run. Companies that meet rigorous standards, such as those imposed by the GDPR, can build stronger relationships of trust with users, an increasingly central element in global digital markets.
The ChatGPT episode demonstrates that respecting the rules not only does not slow down innovation, but raises its quality, favoring more transparent and responsible competition.
Global changes and European stability
The global regulatory landscape is changing, and the traditional contrast betweenRegulated Europe and gods Innovative United States appears less marked. Guido Scorza, member of the Data Protection Authority, explains: “If we look at what has happened in recent years in the United States of America, we find a parliament, we find governors in the individual states (…) who have progressively asked companies to make a significant effort.” This signal indicates a progressive international alignment towards greater attention to privacy.
The GDPR, which has imposed high standards of data protection, continues to represent a solid foundation for companies operating in the European market.
In this context, Europe remains a point of reference for regulatory stabilityguaranteed by principles such as those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The GDPR, which has imposed high standards of data protection, continues to represent a solid foundation for companies operating in the European market.
However, Scorza hypothesizes possible “inflections in attention to privacy matters” in areas such as healthcare o to public safetyespecially in response to new political or social needs. These adaptations, however, will not affect the core of data protection in the market, which remains a priority for the Union.
The combination of global adaptation e European stability it could encourage future harmonization of regulations, creating a fairer and more transparent field for businesses at an international level.
Towards a balance between privacy and business
The privacyoften perceived as a limit to the freedom of action of companies, can instead be transformed into a powerful accelerator for the development of ethical and sustainable markets. In the current landscape, characterized by growing consumer sensitivity towards the protection of personal data, companies must reinterpret regulation not as an obstacle, but as a lever to build trust. Transparency and compliance with regulations can become an element of differentiation in increasingly competitive markets.
Guido Scorza, member of the Data Protection Authority, summarizes the challenge in a key principle: “The secret is always to compress a right to the minimum extent necessary to guarantee the vital space for another right.” This statement highlights the need to balance fundamental rights, creating a context in which the needs of business and those of protection of personal data coexist harmoniously.
The secret is always to compress a right to the minimum extent necessary to guarantee the living space for another right.
The European model, embodied by GDPRdemonstrates that it is possible to reconcile innovation and protection of individual rights. Companies that meet these standards not only comply with the laws, but acquire a competitive advantage lasting: they establish relationships of trust with customers, promote responsible practices and consolidate their reputation.
In an era where personal data is at the center of economic and social value, investing in privacy means investing in the future of the market. It’s not about choosing between privacy and business, but about recognizing that theirs balanced interaction represents an obligatory path to face the challenges of the digital world.
Source: www.tomshw.it
