Practical tips for managing privacy in software development

Design with Data Minimisation in Mind

Start by gathering only the data essential to your application’s functionality. Evaluate every piece of information requested from users and avoid collecting excessive personal data. By minimising data collection, you reduce both potential security risks and the chances of violating privacy principles under the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and GDPR.
Prioritise Security for Personal Data

Implement strong security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and secure data storage, to protect user data from unauthorised access. Regularly conduct security testing, such as vulnerability assessments, to identify and address potential risks. Data security is crucial, not only to comply with legal standards but to build user trust by ensuring their information is safe.
Enable User Rights in Your System

The DPA grants users rights over their data, such as access, correction, deletion, and portability. Build features into your software that allow users to easily view, update, and delete their information. For example, create options for users to download their data in a format like JSON or CSV and to remove it from the system if they wish. Ensuring these functionalities are accessible is vital for user autonomy.
Implement Clear and Honest Consent Management

Under the DPA, users need to give explicit consent for data processing. Avoid pre-checked boxes for consent; instead, create a transparent interface that clearly explains each type of data processing and why it is necessary. Include consent management features that allow users to view, modify, or withdraw their consents easily. Securely store these consent records with timestamps, and if necessary, re-obtain consent to meet compliance standards.
Practise Transparent Communication

Transparency builds trust. Design user interfaces that clearly explain what data is collected, why it is collected, and how it will be used. Use simple language in your privacy policies and consent options, and include notifications or pop-ups that keep users informed about data practices. By making privacy practices clear and accessible, you give users greater control and understanding over their data.
Limit Third-Party Data Sharing

If your system integrates third-party services (like analytics or APIs), evaluate each integration to ensure it is essential and compliant with DPA standards. Share only the necessary data with third parties and work with providers who comply with privacy laws. Implement controls to monitor and restrict third-party access to sensitive information to avoid unintentional data exposure.
Support the Right to Be Forgotten

Implement functionality to allow users to request the deletion of their personal data, as required under the DPA’s “right to erasure”. Where complete deletion isn’t feasible due to dependencies or legal requirements, consider anonymising the data. Schedule data deletions in batch jobs if necessary, but ensure users’ requests are honoured without excessive delay.

Apply Ethical Privacy Principles Beyond Legal Minimums

While legal compliance is essential, aim to design features that genuinely respect users’ privacy. For example, evaluate whether data adds meaningful value to users before collecting it, adopting a “less is more” approach. Avoid collecting non-essential information, even if it’s legally permissible, and consider whether each data point aligns with user interests.
Build Privacy-Focused Defaults

Set privacy-respecting defaults in your applications. For example, avoid enabling extensive data tracking by default; instead, allow users to opt-in if they want to share additional data. This “privacy by default” approach respects user choices from the outset, making it easier for users to protect their privacy without navigating complex settings.
Consider Ethical Implications of Data Usage

Think about the unintended ways data could be combined or inferred to reveal sensitive information. For instance, combining location and timestamp data could expose users’ daily routines or locations. Proactively design your system to minimise these risks, ensuring that data usage aligns with the initial purpose and does not unintentionally invade users’ privacy.