The Hidden Truth About Data in the Digital Economy

Gianni Dell'Aiuto | WBN News Global - WBN News | August 19, 2025

Let’s be clear: when we talk about data, most people still think of names, email addresses, or phone numbers. That’s the surface — the polite version of the story. But the real data, the kind that feeds today’s digital economy and powers AI systems, goes far beyond that.

It’s the kind of information you leave behind without even realizing it. It’s what time you visit a site, how long you stay, what you click on, what you skip, which language your browser is set to, and where you came from. A single cookie can track all of that — and more.

These aren’t just technical details. They’re fragments of identity. They paint a picture of who you are, what you’re interested in, what you avoid, and what captures your attention. And companies want these fragments. They need them. Not just for marketing, but to survive in an ecosystem where data is the new currency and algorithms are the brokers. AI needs data the way plants need water. And so, with or without your full awareness, your behavior becomes fuel.

Many websites don’t even bother explaining this. Others hide behind vague, generic privacy policies that promise a “better browsing experience” while quietly sharing your information with “trusted partners, suppliers, clients, consultants”—a list so long and ambiguous it could easily include Jack the Ripper or the Beagle Boys. And the truth is, you click “accept” anyway, pretending you’ve read the fine print, pretending you agree, when really, no one does. It’s a lie we tell ourselves - and to the network - every day.

The problem goes deeper. If you sell clothing, you probably know my size. But if you sell food or medication, you might know I’m vegan, or celiac, or allergic to peanuts. You might infer I’m Muslim, or Jewish, or that I live alone and only shop when the fridge is empty. And you learn all of this not because I told you directly, but because the system was built to collect, correlate, and anticipate.

So let me ask the question most companies prefer to avoid:

Do you really understand what kind of responsibility comes with handling this kind of information?

We're not just talking about legal risk — although that matters. We're talking about ethical obligations, contractual duties, reputational consequences. And no, protecting data isn't only about cybersecurity. It's about not spreading it around unnecessarily, about using it only for the reasons you claimed you would. It’s about honesty, clarity, and and restraint. Or maybe you haven’t realized that what you’re handling are people’s rights — and that misusing data means violating them.

The European Union has understood just how crucial and valuable data has become. That’s why it has created rules to protect people, not just systems. And this law, if applied properly, not only allows you to operate smoothly in Europe but also respects individual rights. It can also become a powerful driver of trust — and a real competitive advantage.

Tags: #Digital Privacy, #AI And Data, #Ethical Technology, #User Rights, #Data Protection, #Business Responsibility, #European Union, #GDPR Compliance

Gianni Dell’Aiuto is an Italian attorney with over 35 years of experience in legal risk management, data protection, and digital ethics. Based in Rome and proudly Tuscan, he advises businesses globally on regulations like the GDPR, AI Act, and NIS2. An author and frequent commentator on legal innovation, he helps companies turn compliance into a competitive edge while promoting digital responsibility. Click here to connect with him.

Editor: Wendy S. Huffman