We may all be tired of hearing about big data but the human
dimension to gathering, storing and analysing consumer data has
been thrust back into the spotlight by two major news events in the
last week.
Firstly, the midata initiative is set to switch from being a
voluntary to compulsory code: companies will have no choice but to
make the data they hold on an individual available to that
individual. Suddenly the big data opportunity is looking more like
a big problem!
Secondly, the OFT has initiated a call for information, often
the prelude to an inquiry, into loyalty schemes and personalised
online promotions. The regulators and legislators seem keen to
redress the balance between business and consumers in terms of the
information that one holds on the other and the power to wield it.
At the very least they want to ensure that the former behaves
ethically when dealing with the latter.
