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The exploitation of personal data on the Internet is a legitimate concern of Internet users. However, the sites must comply with certain regulations, which are sometimes unknown!
spam
Spam is an advertising e-mail often received by Internet users. In general, the Internet user has not given his prior authorization to receive spam, and yet it is necessary. Only exception: if the Internet user has already made a purchase on the site sending the spam, the sender does not need to seek his authorization. In any case, any advertising e-mail must contain an unsubscribe link which must allow the user to unsubscribe. If the Internet user’s authorization has not been obtained, the site is liable to a fine of €750 for each message sent.
personal data
Personal data includes the e-mail address, but also other data which may be necessary to communicate on the Internet: surname, first name, address, telephone number, etc. The sites that collect this personal data must make a declaration to the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés) and inform you of your rights to access, modify or delete your data. To be in agreement with the CNIL, the site must include the following formula: “In accordance with the Data Protection Act of January 6, 1978, you have the right to access and rectify personal data concerning you. »
Sensitive data Sensitive data
are data that reveal, directly or indirectly, your racial or ethnic origins, your political, philosophical or religious opinions, your trade union membership or data relating to your health or life. sexual. This is often the case on forums. The site that reuses this collected information must obtain the consent of the Internet user. If the user notices this reuse, he can send a letter of formal notice to the site to stop the dissemination of this information. Failure to do so could result in fines, jail time and civil penalties.
Resale of data
When personal data is communicated on the Internet, it may be resold to third parties such as other sites. This allows them, for example, to make consumer profiles or geolocation. Personal data can be resold without the user’s consent, but the user must be informed. For sensitive data, resale is prohibited. If the Internet user notices that this sensitive data could have been sold without his authorization, he can send a letter of formal notice to the seller or the buyer and contact the CNIL, which will then carry out an investigation. The buyer and the seller risk criminal sanctions.
DAMY Law Firm , Nice, Beware of personal data on the net! 2022 Update
