Benefits of Boosting Data Sharing in the EU

VOCABULARY
1. What does “aftermarket service” mean? ”Providers of aftermarket services will be able to compete on an equal footing with comparable services offered by manufacturers, which may reduce prices and boost innovation.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
AFTERMARKET SERVICES: services related to the follow-up of products’ life once they have been sold. It includes reparation or replacement, among others.
Ex. General consumers unfairly deem local aftermarket services as unreliable since they are not the official store. Nevertheless, they partially always provide a better client treatment than official sites.
Synonym: aftersales, servicing.
2. What is “data pooling”? ”This will be achieved through a range of tools, from technical solutions such as anonymisation and data pooling to legally binding agreements by the reusers.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
DATA POOLING: collection of data from diverse sources in order to use it for different purposes.
Synonym: data supply
Example: Due to data pooling, new innovations in medicine or farming will be carried out.
3. What is “retro-engineering“? ”In order to prevent competitors from retro-engineering services or devices thanks to increased access to data, MEPs strengthened provisions to protect trade secrets.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
RETRO-ENGINEERING: process that tries to understand the functioning of a device/system/software.
Synonym: deductive engineering?
Example: The hackers were able to reproduce the software functionalities by using skilled scientist experts in retro-engineering.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. While boosting data sharing in the European Union has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages. What might be some of them?
Although having substantial benefits, data sharing is deemed as potentially dangerous in terms of privacy. The usage of private data by several companies can arise privacy concerns rather than being seen as a reasonable measure that provides benefits.
Moreover, it is required a regulated coordination between organisations and companies to manage the amount of data stored. Thus, its logistics can be overwhelming and challenging for governments. Costs will be also considered for this strategy.
Overall, not only can society feel as they lost control over their data but also feel insecure about the privacy of it.

2. Do the benefits of data sharing outweigh the risks? Why or why not?
I’m still weighing up the pros and cons since. From one standpoint, the benefits will improve citizens live and costs. Nevertheless, the improvement may result in a loss of rights and freedoms because of the use of our data. Living in a controlled environment without freedom can be deeply detrimental to a persons’ sense of autonomy. It is undeniable that although nowadays not all data is shared, companies and governments can control us without the need of more information. Thus, what implications would have sharing more data knowing that we are already controlled and that we could, at least, have a better life?

3. Do you think that the EU privacy laws can really protect the citizens and their personal information? Share your views.
As a EU citizen, I expect that privacy laws serve as an effective safeguard. It is true, that the advancing AI can help cybercriminals to steal data and use it as leverage to get money. I rely on EU cybersecurity teams to avoid and prevent cybersecurity threats and ensure our safety.

4. What is your opinion on this, “With immense possibilities in areas from farming to health, big data can play a key role in the EU’s digital transformation. However, data sharing is essential to unlock this potential.”?
As an individual related to health, I see positive steps in terms of AI and data. The benefits of using larger datasets to improve prevention and early detection algorithms and programmes are undeniable. I assume that in other fields, data can unlock possibilities resulting in crucial enhancements.

5. Do you think small businesses and large companies benefit equally from data sharing? Explain.
I do not think small businesses and large companies benefit equally from data sharing. Large companies usually have more resources and advanced technologies to collect, analyse and use large amounts of data. Small businesses, on the other hand, may struggle to invest in these systems or to comply with complex regulations. However, data sharing can still help smaller companies understand their customers and compete more effectively.

6. What improvements would you suggest to make data sharing safer and more effective in the EU?
I believe the EU should strengthen cybersecurity measures and establish clearer rules on how data can be shared and used. Companies should also be encouraged to invest in better encryption systems and regularly update their security measures. In addition, people should be given more control over their personal information and be clearly informed about how it is being used. This could make data sharing more secure while maintaining public trust.

7. How do you think data sharing will affect people’s lives in the future?
Data sharing is likely to have a significant impact on people’s daily lives in the future. In a future, individuals will be more familiarised with possible data-developments in healthcare or public transport for instance. Daily routines activities upgraded by allowing decisions to be based on more accurate information. At the same time, the increasing collection of personal data could lead to greater privacy concerns and surveillance, resulting in more questions and interest of our data treatment. Therefore, finding a balance between technological progress and individual privacy will probably remain a major challenge.