Tell us a bit about your current role and how you decided to pursue this unique field of Law.
My current role as an In-House Counsel for a Fintech company in the UK has been an incredible learning experience. Along with handling the internal legal matters of the company, I’m a core member of our flagship software product working towards supporting all UK SME traders with customs declarations procedures.
The most rewarding part of my job is the exposure I have to the practical aspects of corporate culture and law.
This has spurred my interest in Technology Law and encouraged me to take on extra responsibilties related to our customs clearance software through which we assist Importers, Exporters, Traders, Freight Forwarders, and Shipping companies with their Customs Clearance processes when their goods move to or from the UK.
Since the second semester of my LLB at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Technology Law and Data Protection were two areas I wanted to explore more.
Hence, to gain more understanding of the practical areas, I interned with law firms, startups, and MNCs in the Data Privacy, Technology Law and Intellectual Property domain. After multiple internships, part time jobs, and freelance gigs, one such freelance opportunity turned into a long term internship and finally into my current job.
What are your thoughts on the current International and Indian legislation on Data Privacy?
Since college, I have had a peculiar interest when it comes to data privacy due to which I also got the opportunity to work with a Data Privacy company as a Privacy Research Analyst on a part time basis. It was an interesting and exciting role as data privacy meant new laws, daily new updates, and who doesn’t like to read about new technology.
Speaking about the international legislation on data privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an important step in ensuring the privacy and security of individuals’ personal data. It grants individuals more control over their data, such as the right to access, rectify, and delete it. Even if it is considered to be too broad, it has set the framework towards strengthening international data privacy legislation.
As somebody so versed in the realms of privacy on the internet, what do you believe are a few mistakes that we make that put our privacy in danger?
While most of us are aware of the common mistakes we end up making like reusing passwords, using a single password for multiple accounts, and accessing public Wi-Fis, there are few other mistakes we often end up not noticing as students:
- Not updating your software regularly: Outdated software can contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Make sure to keep your applications and devices up-to-date.
- Sharing your CV publicly: Avoid sharing your CV in public, restrict it to only the people you intend to share it with as it contains sensitive data like your email address, contact number, and in some cases, even your physical address.
- Maintaining multiple accounts on social media: Through spam accounts you might be hiding information from some but you are indirectly providing more data about yourself to the internet.
- Underestimating the value of your data: As students, we feel that data privacy isn’t our concern cause there’s anyway nothing in our bank accounts, however that’s not the case cause our data is worth more than what’s in our bank accounts.
And lastly, as a fellow graduate of the Faculty of Law, the Maharaja Sayajiroa University of Baroda what would be your advice for our students who want to pursue a career in Technology Law?
Technology is ever-evolving, and the law is constantly changing to keep up with it.
It is important to stay informed of the latest trends and legal developments in the technology space. My advice for those looking to build a career in this? Think of it as a roller coaster ride – you need to be prepared for anything and everything for example ChatGPT, so research and learn as much as you can about the field cause technology and AI is coming our way.
Familiarize yourself with the different aspects of technology law, such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, robotics, blockchain, telecommunications, data privacy, and cyber security. The best way to learn more about Technology Law is with the help of technology, so make the best use of it.
Finally, network, network, network! Many of the best opportunities come through networking, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, reach out to professionals in the field and attend networking events.
Harshini is a Technology Law and Data Protection enthusiast. In her final year she started working as part-time Privacy Research Analyst.
She is a certified Data Privacy Officer. She currently is working as a In-House Counsel for a Fintech company in the UK.
