YOU HAVE NINE ENEMIES. AND ONLY ONE ALLY: My Agile Privacy!

🤔 QUESTION: "They scared me with the cookie consent log requirement. Do you provide it?"

Short answer: no!
They lied to you. The regulation says something quite different. The purpose is to make your visitor aware of their rights regarding their personal data, and at the same time to target the big web giants, often accused of selling users' personal data. These large companies are able to track over time habits, purchases, geographic location, health information, sexual preferences, and more, profiting from it.

Recording your visitors’ habits in a database, whether centralized or not, exposes you to the risk of theft of this information and goes against:

• the text and rationale of the regulation
• GDPR principles such as data minimization
• and common sense

Implementing such a log effectively profiles users without a valid legal basis. Moreover, the loss or theft of this data obligates you to follow procedures related to a data breach.

This log is misleadingly advertised as mandatory by private companies, for commercial purposes. We believe it is more ethical, straightforward, and profitable to pursue economic interests by adhering to the truth and the principles in our code of ethics.

🤔 QUESTION: "They scared me talking about data breaches and fines. What do I really risk as a website owner?"

Short answer: The danger is real—don’t underestimate it. Here’s the truth:

The purpose of the regulation is to protect users' personal data from unlawful processing, negligence, and serious carelessness—not to indiscriminately punish everyone who owns a website. Big tech companies accumulate vast amounts of personal data, and for them, the GDPR is a real deterrent. But even for smaller websites, the risks are real—and often underestimated.

If you collect and store personal data from your users without implementing adequate security measures, you expose yourself to very real issues:

• Loss of trust: In the event of a data breach (i.e., unauthorized access, exposure, or accidental loss of data), your users may no longer trust you or your service.
• Legal obligations and penalties: In the event of a data breach, you are legally required to inform the Data Protection Authority and, in more serious cases, the affected users as well. If it turns out your protection was inadequate, the fine can be very steep.
• Reputational damage: Even a minor data breach can harm your project’s reputation more than any fine could.

But that’s not all:
Many website owners overlook another risk: using external services such as CRMs, cloud databases, newsletter tools, consent logs, and marketing platforms. These systems too, if not carefully chosen, can become the weakest link in the chain.
There are documented cases of data breaches caused precisely by vulnerabilities in third-party providers. At that point, the damage and responsibility still fall on you: you were the one who chose (or accepted) that solution.

The basic principle remains the same: minimize data, safeguard it carefully, and choose tools you can trust and have full control over.

What to do in practice:

• Use only reliable, up-to-date software with a solid and transparent reputation—ideally Privacy by design and Privacy by default.
• Limit data collection to what is strictly necessary: the less data you collect, the fewer risks you face.
• Ensure you can exercise real and direct control over the data collected, without outsourcing everything to providers whose practices you don’t know.
• If you use external services, verify that they comply with European Privacy regulations and provide real security guarantees.

Don’t downplay the problem: poorly managed data puts your users’ security—and your business—at risk. Don’t blindly trust complicated solutions or procedures marketed as “miraculous”: real protection comes from awareness, honest practices, and choosing truly reliable partners.

"The best thing you can offer your users? Only what’s truly needed, and transparency: it’s the most effective defense against the real risks of a data breach."

🤨 QUESTION: "They told me that a single user reporting to the Privacy Authority could lead to hefty fines. Should I be worried?"

Short answer: Yes, it’s a real possibility and shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s what you need to know:
The GDPR is not a vague threat but a legal reality that concerns every website owner processing personal data—even just through contact forms or profiling cookies. You don’t need to be a multinational to get on the radar of the Authority: often it’s user reports that trigger investigations and penalties.

Here’s what you’re really facing:

• Investigations and inspections: The Authority has the power to start inquiries based solely on a single user report claiming their rights were violated (e.g., due to lack of clear policies, invalid consent, failure to respond to data deletion requests, etc.).
• Administrative penalties: If the Authority finds you non-compliant, they can impose significant fines—even on small projects or individual site owners. Fines can reach up to 4% of annual revenue or €20 million in the most serious cases, but even for small sites, the amounts can be substantial (tens of thousands of euros, even for minor businesses).
• Compliance obligations: Beyond the financial penalty, you may be required to immediately update your internal procedures—often under tight deadlines and supervision, meaning added costs and stress.

Beware of “invisible” risks:
Many underestimate so-called “formal violations”: cookies installed before consent, copied and non-customized policies, or misconfigured third-party software. All of these—despite causing no obvious harm—can still be fined if reported.

You don’t need a major data leak to get in trouble:
Sometimes, it’s enough that a user doesn’t get a response to a deletion request, or notices that tracking cookies are loaded as soon as they enter the site without proper consent. These situations can easily trigger a review by the Authority.

Critical points to keep an eye on:

• Genuine and verifiable consent: Collect it using transparent banners and document every acceptance.
• Clear and updated Privacy policy: You must explain how and why you collect data in a clear and accessible way.
• Responding to users: If someone requests access to, modification, or deletion of their data, you must respond within the legal timeframes and procedures.
• Cookies and tracking: Enable them only after consent, ensuring that no non-essential cookies are set before the user’s choice.

What to do to stay safe:

• Put GDPR compliance at the core of your website design.
• Use a compliant cookie banner: avoid deceptive solutions or ones that don’t actually block cookies.
• Use tools designed with Privacy in mind and carefully configure plugins and external services.
• Set up clear and quick procedures to respond to users exercising their rights.

The best defense is transparency, simplicity, and timely responses to users and the Authority. Compliance isn’t just a formality—it’s your insurance against unpleasant surprises, even from a single report.

"Never underestimate the power of an informed user: under GDPR, even a small oversight can be costly. Better to prevent with awareness than to defend yourself afterward."

🤔 QUESTION: "They told me that if the cookie banner isn’t compliant or is misleading, I risk fines even if the site is small. Is that true?"

Short answer: Yes, the risk is real. Cookie banners are one of the first things users—and the Privacy Authority—notice. Not following the rules can lead to unpleasant surprises, even for simple “showcase” websites.

Here’s the reality:
The GDPR aims to ensure that every user has real control over their browsing data. Today, the cookie banner is far more than a formality: it’s your first Privacy “business card,” and it must be designed to truly uphold user rights—not just to “cover yourself.”

What are the concrete risks for using misleading or non-compliant banners?

• Fines for unlawful consent collection: If the banner misleads the user (e.g., shows only “Accept” without a “Reject” option, allows continuation without a choice, uses colors/shapes to favor “Accept” while hiding “Reject,” loads cookies before consent), the consent is NOT valid. This is equivalent to collecting data without permission: a practice harshly punished by the Authority.
• Reports and complaints: More and more users are aware of their rights. A report from a dissatisfied customer—or a competitor—is enough to trigger an inspection.
• Obligation to correct and risk of shutdown: Heavy fines can slow down or disrupt the financial stability of your business.

Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Cookies installed immediately: Profiling cookies MUST NOT be activated before the user has given consent.
• Banners that don’t allow free choice: “Accept” in big bold letters and “Reject” invisible or hidden, or no clear rejection option at all.
• Incomplete or misleading policies: Banners often link to unclear or incomplete policies about what data is collected and why.
• Missing consent revocation: It’s not enough to offer a one-time choice: users must be able to change their preferences at any time.

How to avoid problems:

• Use compliant banners: “Accept” and “Reject” must be clearly visible and equally presented.
• Block non-essential cookies until consent is given: Use solutions that truly let you control cookie loading.
• Update and personalize your Privacy policies: Clearly explain what data you collect, for what purposes, and with whom you share it.
• Allow easy preference changes: Always provide a link or area where users can review and change their cookie preferences.

Remember:
The “grace period” for cookie banners has long been over. A site’s reputation also depends on transparency: a misleading banner is quickly spotted by informed users (and their browsers!).

"You don’t just need to 'be compliant.' You need to show respect and transparency toward your users: the best way to earn trust—and avoid trouble from reports to the Authority. Choose My Agile Privacy!"

🤨 QUESTION: "They told me that if profiling cookies are installed before consent, I risk penalties—even if there's a banner. Is that true?"

Short answer: Absolutely yes. A banner alone is not enough: what matters is that cookies and third-party software are actually blocked until the user gives consent. If they're activated without consent, you're breaking the law—even if you have the best-looking banner in the world.

Here’s how things really are:
The regulations are crystal clear: any cookie or tracking tool that is not strictly necessary must remain blocked until the user has given free, informed, and demonstrable consent. This principle is one of the cornerstones of Privacy regulations.

Here’s what you risk if you don’t block cookies before consent:

• Financial penalties: The Authority imposes heavy fines for pre-installation of non-essential cookies, as it amounts to processing personal data without a valid legal basis.
• Inspections and emergency procedures: A single user report (or a random inspection by the Authority) can reveal that cookies are being installed immediately upon entering the site. This can lead to immediate demands for compliance, often under tight deadlines with operational consequences.
• Loss of trust: More Privacy-conscious users will quickly notice if your banner is just for show and cookies or ads activate anyway. These practices damage your site’s reputation and can quickly spread the image of “lack of transparency.”

Common mistakes to absolutely avoid:

• Third-party scripts activated immediately: Analytics plugins, Facebook pixels, or marketing services that drop cookies as soon as the page loads.
• “Informational only” banner: The banner explains cookies are present, but doesn’t prevent them from loading “in the background.”
• Improperly configured tools: Even seemingly compliant banners, if not properly integrated, fail to block anything and load cookies on first access.

What you MUST do to truly be compliant:

• Use preventive blocking systems: Choose platforms that actually prevent cookies from loading until consent is given—not just those that hide them.
• Perform regular checks: Make sure that new plugins/scripts don’t bypass the system—even after updates or modifications.
• Offer real choices to users: The banner must allow users to accept or reject cookies with equal ease and clarity.

"Preventive blocking isn’t just a technical formality: it’s one of the basic rules of compliance, and the clearest signal that you respect your users. Ignoring it means trouble—often due to a detail that could have been easily fixed using software like My Agile Privacy."

🤔 QUESTION: "I often hear about phishing. But is the risk really that serious just from browsing or using seemingly normal websites?"

Short answer: Yes, the risk is real and should never be underestimated. Today’s online scams are increasingly sophisticated: no one is too “clever” to fall for a well-crafted web page or email designed solely to deceive.

What is phishing, really?
It’s one of the most widespread digital traps: websites, emails, or messages that look legitimate (sometimes nearly identical to the real thing!) but are meant to steal your credentials, bank information, passwords, or even gain control of your device.

The real risks for you:

• Identity theft: If you enter sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, or bank codes, attackers can use them to empty accounts, order products in your name, take out loans, or sign you up for scam services.
• Financial loss: Stolen data is often sold or used to access home banking or e-wallets, and the damage can be immediate.
• Damage to reputation and relationships: A hacked social account can be used to scam your friends and contacts by impersonating you, or to spread malware.
• Installation of viruses and malware: Clicking on the wrong link can download harmful software onto your device that spies, locks, and extorts you to get your data back (“ransomware”).

How to recognize and protect yourself from phishing:

• Always check the site address: Fake sites often have names similar to the original, but with small differences.
• Don’t trust “urgent” emails or messages: Requests to enter data immediately, click links, or download attachments “for your safety” are almost always phishing attempts.
• Verify strange requests: Your bank, Poste, PayPal, or any legitimate site will never ask you to send passwords or sensitive data via email or SMS.
• Look for suspicious signs: Grammatical errors, blurry logos, sloppy design, overly alarmist tones—all are red flags for authenticity.

"Remember: caution is your best defense. Trust only what you know and, if in doubt, don’t be afraid to take a step back—a missed click today could save you a major headache tomorrow."

🤔 QUESTION: "Lately I’ve been receiving more and more advertising calls, even from companies I’ve never heard of. How is it possible they have my number?"

Short answer:
If you’re getting endless calls from call centers, promotions, surveys, and unsolicited offers, chances are your data has ended up — often without you realizing it — in lists that are sold or traded between companies for commercial purposes. It’s a much more widespread phenomenon than you might think.

Here’s how the spam call system really works:
Many websites, apps, contests, and seemingly harmless sign-up forms collect your phone number along with other personal data. If you don’t read the Privacy policies carefully or hastily click “Accept,” you might be authorizing — sometimes with just a single pre-checked box — the use (and sharing) of your data with “commercial partners,” “third-party companies,” or marketing networks.

What are the real risks for you?

• Sale and dissemination of your personal data: Your phone number, along with other collected information (name, age, address, habits, interests, email), can be sold to multiple companies or entered into massive databases that end up in the hands of call centers and sales operators.
• Increased exposure to spam and scams: The more your data circulates, the more likely you are to be contacted with unsolicited offers, suspicious proposals, phone plans, surveys, or — in the worst cases — outright fraud.
• Loss of control: Once your data is sold or shared, it’s nearly impossible to know exactly who is using it (and for what purpose). Some companies pass your data along again, feeding a hard-to-break chain.
• Unnecessary nuisance: Repeated and invasive calls can cause discomfort, anxiety, or simply waste your time and attention.

How to protect yourself from spam calls (and data sharing):

• Read the Privacy policies carefully: Before giving out your phone number to apps, websites, or online forms, check if it will be used for promotional purposes or shared with third parties.
• Avoid blanket consents: Always uncheck boxes that authorize marketing, profiling, or data sharing with external parties.
• Request data deletion: If you know who shared your number, you can exercise your rights (erasure, objection to processing, etc.) by asking to be removed from their lists.

"Remember: the best way to avoid being disturbed is to not let everyone find you. Protect your phone number and your data — they’re yours, defend them carefully."

🤔 QUESTION: "But what exactly are these trackers everyone talks about? Why should I be concerned?"

Short answer:
Trackers are digital tools that allow a website (or worse, external parties) to monitor what you do while browsing online. In practice, they’re often scripts—small “pieces of code” embedded in web pages.

What do they actually do?
When you visit a site, these scripts automatically activate in your browser and begin collecting information about you:

• who you are on social media, your name, and your habits
• which pages you’ve visited,
• which links you clicked,
• how long you stayed on a certain section,
• what device you’re using,
• your IP address,
• and sometimes even your mouse movements.

This often happens without your knowledge and—if the site doesn’t request your consent—in violation of the law.

Sound familiar?
You casually visited a shoe website or searched for a vacation, and—like magic—soon after, wherever you go, you start seeing ads for those very shoes or that trip?
It’s no coincidence.
These trackers/scripts send signals about your interests to large ad networks, which in turn “follow” you with increasingly tailored ads.
Behind the scenes, an invisible network of scripts is logging your actions and constantly sending data to external servers—often without informing you or getting your permission.

Why is this a problem?

• You lose control over who accesses your browsing habits and personal data.
• This data can be resold, combined, or used to profile you without your consent.
• It opens the door to aggressive advertising, spam, and unwanted messages—without much you can do to stop it.

How to protect yourself:

• Choose transparent websites that clearly ask for your consent (and don’t activate trackers until you’ve accepted them).

"Trackers are nothing more than scripts that watch and record your every step online. If it feels like ads are ‘following’ you, now you know why: your data is circulating across the web—often without you ever truly agreeing to it."

🤨 QUESTION: "I’ve heard about deepfakes and identity theft. Can these things really affect me as a regular user?"

Short answer:
Absolutely yes. Today, anyone who browses the internet or has an online profile can become — even unknowingly — a victim of these new forms of manipulation and fraud.

What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is a video, photo, or audio recording altered using artificial intelligence, where a person’s face, voice, or movements are overlaid, cloned, or replaced in other images and footage.
The result? Highly realistic videos where it looks like you're saying or doing things you never actually did. Just a few photos taken from social media or a website are enough to create a convincing video.

Here’s what can realistically happen:

• Image theft: They use your face or voice to create fake videos—even ones you might not recognize as fake yourself.
• Defamation and blackmail: A convincing deepfake can be spread to damage your reputation or, worse, used to extort money in exchange for its removal.
• Advanced scams and phishing: A deepfake can impersonate you in video calls, scam friends and family, hijack social media accounts, or even convince a bank to authorize transactions in your name.

Identity theft:
Targeting the data (personal info, images, voice, documents) you leave online means making it available to cybercriminals. With just a few pieces of information, they can:

• create fake social media profiles using you as “cover,”
• defame you, scam your contacts, or sign up for services in your name.

What you can do to protect yourself:

• Share cautiously: Never post documents, sensitive details, or photos that are easily “reusable” (like clear, public close-ups).
• Protect your profiles: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and limit the visibility of your info on social networks.
• Be wary of strange requests: If someone asks you for documents or videos online—especially if it’s a “virtual” contact—always be suspicious.
• Monitor your digital identity: Every now and then, search your name and images online to check if they’re being misused.

"Remember: today, your digital identity is worth as much as (and often more than) your real one. Protect it as you would your house keys: the fewer data you leave around, the safer you are."