The illusion of informed consent: legal and ethical impact of data mining by social media platforms in India

The illusion of informed consent: legal and ethical impact of data mining by social media platforms in India

연구 분야: Databases

학회: International Cybersecurity Law Review

In today’s digital world, social media platforms collect and use personal data through complex terms of use that many users accept without reading or fully understanding. This raises important questions about the validity of their consent and the ethical implications of data mining practices. This study explores the level of awareness among social media users in India regarding the agreements they consent to and how their data is used. Through questionnaire, the research aims to demonstrate that most users are unaware of the legal consequences of these agreements, leaving their data vulnerable to exploitation. This lack of awareness enables platforms to use personal data with limited accountability, highlighting the need for clearer and more transparent consent mechanisms. The study also reviews Indian laws, such as the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, to assess how effectively they safeguard user privacy. A comparison with international regulations, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), underscores the need for stronger legal protections and greater transparency in data mining practices.