12 September 2017
NEWS & VIEWS
Data privacy can build consumer trust & competitive differentiation
When it comes to data , video service providers need to go beyond simply keeping it safe
The data-privacy landscape is changing in terms of consumer expectations , legislative frameworks , and regulatory enforcement . Worldwide , there are now more than 100 countries with data privacy laws , but even in regions where they do not yet exist , it needs to be a priority for video service providers to build trust with customers through self-enforcement of clear data privacy practices .
That was the consensus among an audience of video service providers and industry experts during an interactive panel event Verimatrix hosted in conjunction with CommunicAsia2017 in May . The discussion put a spotlight on how big data will transform the video experience and took a deep dive into how video analytics and data privacy best practices can provide video service operators with a competitive edge .
Beyond regulatory and technical dimensions of data stewardship , the audience reaction places a heavy emphasis on ethical considerations for data privacy , suggesting that ethical approaches to protecting subscribers ’ personal data should be deemed appropriate , or even demanded , in instances where formal regulations have yet to be put into motion .
As video service providers continue to depend more and more on insights gained from customer data , it is becoming clear that this concept of “ good data stewardship ” is going to be a key source of differentiation . Savvy organisations have a window of opportunity to create a competitive advantage by adopting a customercentric view , designing appropriate privacy controls and practices into their services , and building and maintaining trust with their customers .
Privacy will inevitably become part of every video service provider ’ s brand ; therefore , it will be the organisations that recognise this early on that will have the competitive advantage .
Steve Christian , SVP Marketing , Verimatrix
This is a clear takeaway from a recent survey report Verimatrix commissioned from Castlebridge and TechPolis entitled , Reality Check : A Look at Today ’ s Data Privacy Practices of Video Service Providers . This followup piece to our white paper , Best Practices in Data Privacy for Video Service Providers — The Five Core Elements , reveals how actual best practices of video service providers stack up , and fall short , to the five core elements of data policy best practices .
Key findings from the paper indicate the following : a gap in approaches to transparency in how data about consumers is processed ; a lack of focus on communicating with consumers how their data is used ; a low level of maturity in the governance of data among video service providers , limited subscriber control over how data is processed ; and a bias towards protecting the organisation when assessing risk involved with processing personal data .
So , it would seem that despite being increasingly aware of a growing need to secure and respect the personal data privacy of their subscribers , video service providers are leaving treacherous gaps between their current processes and the recommended best practices .
The bottom line is that privacy will inevitably become part of every video service provider ’ s brand ; therefore , it will be the organisations that recognise this early on that will have the competitive advantage .
Verimatrix , as a long-standing guardian of revenue from video services , is now well positioned as a specialist in the integrity of personal data collection and the associated data warehouse . Visit us at IBC2017 booth 5 . A59 to learn more and download our latest paper today at www . verimatrix . com / dataprivacysurvey . q
IBC celebrates 50th anniversary by maintaining proud traditions
AMSTERDAM – In 1967 , the first International Broadcasting Convention ( IBC ) was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London , featuring just 32 exhibitors and 500 conference delegates .
Back then , the founders identified three key strands that will make IBC a success : a comprehensive exhibition , a visionary conference and the networking opportunities to share ideas .
As IBC2017 prepares to welcome 55,000 visitors to the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre , these beliefs have continued to hold true , even as IBC continues to evolve . Michael Crimp , CEO , IBC , says : “ IBC has evolved along with the industry , or rather , IBC has strived to identify the key trends which will transform the industry , and ensure that we are ahead of the curve .”
And even in today ’ s digital age , trade shows such as IBC will continue to play a key role by providing opportunities for visitors to get hands-on with technology , and to ask “ awkward questions ” of vendors , Crimp suggests , adding : “ With the whole industry in one place , it is also the chance to bring technology partners together , to talk through the details of interactivity and interoperability . IBC is the best place to do this because we work hard to deliver the best experience for visitors .”
Besides the show floor , where some 1,700 exhibitors are highlighting the latest broadcast technologies , Crimp also urges visitors to find time to attend the IBC Conference , which comes with the theme of Truth , Trust and Transformation .
Featuring five tracks running over five days , session topics range from the “ deeply technical ”, such as new codec design , to fake
news and alternative facts . “ There is not just something for everyone — there is a lot for everyone ,” Crimp says . “ The industry is so much broader than it once was . Consumers used to watch TV , because that was all the that the technology could achieve . Today , they expect to choose what they want to watch , when and where they want to watch it , and on the device and platform which happen to be convenient at the time .” Besides applying to the IBC Conference , Truth , Trust and Transformation is also the over-arching theme for IBC2017 , because it is hard to ignore the rapid proliferation of terms such as ‘ fake news ’ and ‘ alternative facts ’ over the past year , Crimp explains . He asks : “ Broadcasters have traditionally been the trusted brand for news : Is the era of social media and universal Internet access changing that ?”
Crimp also identifies one of the challenges of the transition to IP connectivity — the risk that the media industry will become a major target for malware and hackers . “ As the transport platform becomes more open , the more we need to focus on cybersecurity and the intrinsic design of safe , secure systems ,” he says .
Such is the attention that IBC2017 is paying to cybersecurity , that a day has been devoted to the topic at the new C-Tech Forum , which features two days of specialist presentations and debate . The main conference will also feature a session on cybersecurity on Friday , September 15 , where experts from around the world will debate what can , and should , be done to protect content and operations .
Other highlights of IBC2017 include an emphasis on virtual reality ( VR ) and augmented reality ( AR ), which are asking
IBC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year by welcoming 55,000 visitors to the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre .