What we can learn from nature about data protection

Because we’re dealing with something you can’t see right away. Data processing takes place in the background. In our increasingly digital daily lives, we often don’t even notice it, but at the same time, it is having a growing effect on our lives.

Transparency helps in making it tangible. It shows what happens on the backend and how data is used, providing a sense of control. That is exactly what builds trust—not because a claim is made, but rather because it is verifiable.

Many people simply click past informational texts because they want to move on. I can totally relate to that.

To us, this is a sign we need to explain things differently: With more clarity, to be more concise, and more comprehensibe. Not only technically accurate, but also in a way that truly helps people get their bearings particularly; whenever it is most relevant.

Through the way we design products and processes, we can help ensure that people understand what happens to certain data. For example, by clearly indicating that you are communicating with AI and that you, therefore, should avoid entering certain sensitive data.

I can see why people get that impression. For many people, their first encounter with data protection comes through rules and regulations. But for me, that doesn’t go far enough. Data protection is the framework within which we make informed decisions about how we handle data. Not only does it tell us what is allowed, but it also helps us make good decisions in our day-to-day work. Like, when it comes to what data we use and to what extent. This is similar to what happens in nature, where resources must be used responsibly.

In that case, data protection becomes part of the solution rather than something that is “added” to it afterwards. Above all, this changes the way we work: You don’t need to correct or limit things after the fact, but instead make better decisions right from the start. In our product development, we refer to this as “Privacy by Design”. Systems and processes are designed in such a manner that they make the responsible handling of data a matter of course.

Not at all. Data protection is a team effort. We are an interdisciplinary data protection team. Together, we work on a wide variety of issues every day—from evaluating new technologies to supporting specific projects.

In addition to the central team, we also have data protection coordinators in many areas. They work closely with the operational teams and are familiar with their day-to-day work. In this way, they ensure that data protection is not perceived as an abstract requirement, but rather as a lived practice. As a result, data protection becomes an integral part of projects, decisions, and everyday processes.

Data often seems abstract, but it rarely is. It often represents unique individuals—with their personal information, behaviors, or decisions. Data often allows us to draw far more conclusions than one might initially expect. At the same time, in our context, we often deal with customer data that is sensitive because it directly concerns our customers’ employees.

The more data reveals about people, the greater our responsibility is when handling it. That is why we carefully consider which data we really need and which we can do without.

We always ask ourselves this question first: What do we actually need this data for? If we don’t have a clear answer to that question, we leave it alone.

And if we need it, we use it as purposefully as possible. This balancing act takes place every day—in projects, alignment meetings, and many small decisions. That is why we foster this awareness within our employees through training and clear guidelines.