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  Policies for Collecting Metadata

Comparing Government and Private Sector’s Policies for Collecting Metadata

Metadata is described as “data about data.” It is information utilized to define data in platforms such as a document, web page, or file. Metadata has become a well-known catchphrase for the assumption that large datasets can often be utilized to learn interesting associations that are not obvious at first glance or that might be evident in minor datasets (Wenning & Kirrane, 2018). Regrettably, public policy is yet to keep up with the increasing popularity of metadata. Consequently, it presents threats to consumer privacy when private sectors utilize metadata and risks constitutional standards and rights when used by the government (Birnhack, 2011). This paper aims to compare the policies involved when collecting big data between the government and private sectors. The paper further provides different ways for the government and private sectors to use metadata to improve their security and customer interaction activities.

Data collection by the government and the private sectors is considered different regarding policies used. For instance, private sectors often collect personal information for the people’s general good. In this sector, the data collection policy centres on providing people with enhanced services and quality products (Landau, 2020). Therefore, the private sector’s motive for collecting personal information is to enable them to target individuals with products and services they are probably interested in. This is different from governments. The government’s policy centres on compiling information about people and using it against them or for security purposes (Birnhack, 2011). This is why all governments spy on their citizens by collecting metadata to keep them in line. Ideally, private sectors collect metadata to enhance their business while governments collect data for security reasons.

Governments can use metadata to track down terrorists and foil potential attacks. According to different government officials, collecting individuals’ data does not breach any individual’s privacy (Birnhack, 2011). Therefore, government agencies can use metadata to gain hints about significant individuals, risking the citizens’ security (Milic, Veljkovic & Stoimenov, 2018). On the other hand, private sectors can use metadata to better understand consumer preferences, develop new innovative products and services, and enhance management. For instance, retail stores can use flexible real-time pricing to offer their customers services and products. Moreover, they can use engine-driven text analysis and machine learning to enhance consumers’ online shopping experience (Thamjaroenporn & Achalakul, 2020). Conclusively, the government’s policy of collecting metadata centres on security purposes, while the private sector’s policy centres on providing individuals with the right products and services.

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