E-Privacy: The Pay-off

11.1

The systematic approach to E-Privacy outlined in this handbook necessitates the allocation of resources and that appropriation must be justified. It is reasonable therefore to offer a review of some of the benefits of imposing such a regimen on a provider's operations. It is against these benefits that the organisation can measure the efficacy of its IT, operational and human resource strategies, and their contribution towards the development of a professional approach to best practices in personal data privacy.

• Building Trust and Confidence in the E-Economy
  Guaranteeing the exactitude with which personal data will be managed offers a means of building and sustaining high levels of trust and confidence in
  E-Business. If E-Privacy and the protection of personal data are demonstrated to be exemplary this will reflect favourably upon E-Brand equity and reputation. It may also facilitate growth by reinforcing loyalty and expanding the customer base.
• Competitive Advantage
  The logical extension to this benefit is that providers will be able to use a high level of sustained trust and confidence as the basis for differentiating themselves from their rivals. Differentiation not only adds to the value of E-Brands and their positioning but also offers providers with a source of competitive advantage.
• Proactive Approach to E-Risk Management
  The risks mentioned in Section 5 of this handbook exist. In particular there is every indication that the litigation risk will escalate. An investment in E-Privacy may therefore be regarded as one strategy for managing that risk.
• Averting Intervention and Regulation
  If the parties to E-Business do not submit to high standards of voluntarily imposed E-Privacy protocols, and personal data protection, governments, or their regulatory agencies, are likely to step in to reinforce existing legislation and tighten up on statutory controls.
• The Human Factor
  Employers need to provide clear leadership on E-Privacy issues. This can be achieved by championing the cause of an E-Privacy culture, and activating effective policies. Failure to do this will result in employees operating in an obscure work environment in which judgement calls substitute for thoughtful principles, and best practice procedures.