DMA debate – Is the protection of data where businesses pivot between success and failure?

On October 30th representatives from WDMP descended upon The Houses of Parliament for the great data debate. The DMA invited guests and speakers to the House of Commons committee room 10 to debate the topic ‘Is protecting customers’ data now the core aspect of what makes a business successful?’

Speaking first in favour of the proposition was Karmarama’s chief strategy officer and DMA Chair Mark Runacus. He passionately highlighted the volume of data available and the huge consequences of mismanaging that information. The ramifications of which could ruin a brand and fatally betray trust. On the opposing side was Richard Robinson of Cambridge Analytica. Robinson acknowledged the importance of data but argued that data protection does not trump other factors like brand, product and price, meaning it is not the most crucial factor for businesses right now.

Seconding the proposition was Sacha Wilson, senior associate at legal firm Bristows. He notes that GDPR, which comes into force in little over 6 months, will change the rules and that the fines to be put in place are designed specifically to make data protection the place where businesses pivot. So with so little time to go, we should be there now.

The final speaker against the proposition was Department for Change founder Debi Bester. She said successful companies are those that protect personal data, but that it is not the core to their success. It is a hygiene factor, part and parcel of being a business but how it is interpreted is more important than protecting it.

There the argument was opened up to the room who were invited to voice their thoughts. In general, it seemed as though the speakers from the floor took against the proposition, but it was not without some very interesting points raised from both sides. One of those points was a vivid metaphor that if businesses are like bicycles, then data protection is the lock. You don’t need the lock to enjoy a good cycle.

Overall the debate was full of energy, a contentious crew and factious quarrels. It is an ambivalent topic, which was indeed debatable, and after conflicting minds and hesitating hands, the motion was carried that protecting customers’ data really IS the core aspect of what makes a business successful. It was a very close vote however with just 36 votes to 35! What do you think? We would love to hear your thoughts and contributions to the proposition.

Hayley Marvin – Account Manager WDMP