What should a company do to maintain user privacy?

Implementing clear privacy policies and obtaining user consent for data collection is essential for maintaining user privacy. Transparency in how user data is collected, used, and stored fosters trust between the company and its users. By establishing clear policies, users are informed about their rights and how their data will be handled, which is a fundamental principle of ethical data management.

Obtaining explicit user consent ensures that individuals have control over their personal information. This practice aligns with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which emphasizes the importance of user rights and informed consent. By actively engaging users in the decision-making process regarding their data, companies can mitigate risks associated with privacy breaches and reinforce their commitment to ethical practices.

Other options do not sufficiently address the broader aspects of privacy management. For example, simply encrypting sensitive data enhances security but does not eliminate the need for clear policies and consent. Restricting access to user data may protect it from unauthorized users but does not address the foundational need for transparency and user engagement. Storing user data indefinitely raises ethical concerns and could violate privacy regulations, as it contradicts the principle of data minimization, which advocates for retaining personal data only as long as necessary.