The Importance of Data Protection and GDPR

The Importance of Data Protection and GDPR

A joke inspired this weeks blog.

A joke that brilliantly highlights the issues around data protection and why it is something we all need to think about.

Sadly I do not know the author of the joke, but would very much like to congratulate them.

The joke is called ‘Google Pizza’ but could easily be called Facebook or Amazon Pizza.

CALLER: Is this Gordon’s Pizza?

GOOGLE: No sir, it’s Google Pizza.

CALLER: I must have dialed a wrong number. Sorry.

GOOGLE: No sir, Google bought Gordon’s Pizza last month.

CALLER: OK. I would like to order a pizza.

GOOGLE: Do you want your usual, sir?

CALLER: My usual? You know me?

GOOGLE: According to our caller ID data sheet, the last 12 times you called you ordered an extra-large pizza with three cheeses, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and meatballs on a thick crust.

CALLER: OK! That’s what I want …

GOOGLE: May I suggest that this time you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and olives on a whole wheat gluten free thin crust?

CALLER: What? I detest vegetables.

GOOGLE: Your cholesterol is not good, sir.

CALLER: How the hell do you know?

GOOGLE: Well, we cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical records. We have the result of your blood tests for the last 7 years.

CALLER: Okay, but I do not want your rotten vegetable pizza! I already take medication for my cholesterol.

GOOGLE: Excuse me sir, but you have not taken your medication regularly. According to our database, you only purchased a box of 30 cholesterol tablets once, at Drug RX Network, 4 months ago.

CALLER: I bought more from another drugstore.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your credit card statement.

CALLER: I paid in cash.

GOOGLE: But you did not withdraw enough cash according to your bank statement.

CALLER: I have other sources of cash.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your last tax return unless you bought them using an undeclared income source, which is against the law.

CALLER: WHAT THE HELL?

GOOGLE: I’m sorry, sir, we use such information only with the sole intention of helping you.

CALLER: Enough already!
I’m sick to death of Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and all the others.
I’m going to an island without internet, cable TV, where there is no cell phone service and no one to watch me or spy on me

GOOGLE: I understand sir, but you need to renew your passport first. It expired 6 weeks ago…

The Crush Opinion

There are Pros and Cons to the collation and use of personal data.
As an agency we are trying to come to terms with the level of tracking and insight we consider to be appropriate, versus the need to deliver the client a good and financially effective digital marketing service.

Convenience vs Intrusion?

To add to the debate, or call to ask a question, contact Crush Design

Photographers to thank:

Chris Moore
Lianhao Qu
Stock Photography