The Privacy Protection of Big Data Application of Telecom Services

In recent years, big data has provided important information for both industry and government. It can help industry and government analyze their data, which can be transformed into information that can serve as reference for both business productivity and decision-making. There are analytical tools and software that can help the data owners de-identify or re-identify the users. De-identification can help protect consumer privacy, while re-identification can help re-construct the profiles of the users. Obviously, the analysis and application of big data has a great impact on consumer privacy. If the relevant privacy regulations are too strict, they will impede the development of innovative services. Therefore, it is very important to balance the application of big data and consumer privacy protection.
This paper focuses on the consumer privacy protection of big data application using telecom services and their innovative applications as examples. Big data analysis and focus group will be conducted in order to understand the users’ awareness, concerns, and expectations for the telecom industry’s application of big data. It will also analyze the privacy protection provisions indicated in the telecom service providers’ websites and contracts. This paper will analyze the relevant privacy laws and regulations in the US, EU, UK, and Taiwan. The most optimal guideline will be recommended to telecom service providers while using big data in Taiwan. Methods employed include a literature review, comparative law studies, in-depth interviews, and focus group studies.