CFPs: 7th GEF Project on Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (South Africa) – fundsforNGOs

Report on Digital Consent Mechanisms and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Digital Infrastructure and Data Governance

An analysis of digital consent mechanisms reveals a structured approach to data processing, which is fundamental to modern communication and service delivery. The framework for managing user consent for data storage and access directly supports the principles of transparent and accountable institutions, a cornerstone of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Furthermore, the underlying technologies are integral to building resilient infrastructure, as outlined in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Analysis of Data Processing Categories and SDG Linkages

The management of user data is categorized based on purpose, with each category having distinct implications for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The following is a breakdown of these categories and their relevance to specific SDGs.

1. Functional Data Processing

   This category pertains to technical storage or access that is strictly necessary for the delivery of a service requested by the user or for the transmission of communication. This foundational layer is critical for digital inclusion.

   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This type of data processing is essential for the basic functioning of the digital infrastructure that underpins economic growth and global connectivity.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Reliable access to digital services, enabled by functional data, is crucial for creating connected and resilient urban environments.

2. Preference-Based Data Processing

   This involves the storage of user preferences that are not explicitly requested but enhance the user experience. This personalization can contribute to more inclusive digital environments.

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By tailoring digital services to individual needs, such as language or accessibility settings, this data processing can help bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access for all users.

3. Statistical Data Processing

   This refers to technical storage or access used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. The resulting data is vital for evidence-based policymaking and progress monitoring.

   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collection of high-quality, timely, and reliable disaggregated data (Target 17.18) is fundamental to tracking progress across all 17 SDGs. Anonymous statistical data directly contributes to this global objective.

4. Marketing-Related Data Processing

   This category involves creating user profiles to deliver targeted advertising or to track users across digital platforms. This practice has significant implications for consumption patterns and institutional accountability.

   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The creation of user profiles to influence purchasing decisions is directly linked to consumption patterns. A transparent consent process empowers users to make more informed choices, fostering sustainable consumption.
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The requirement for explicit consent to track user behavior promotes transparency and accountability in how organizations use personal data, strengthening the principles of just and inclusive institutions.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

The article, which is a cookie consent notice, indirectly relates to the following SDGs by discussing the use of digital technologies, data processing, and user consent:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • The article discusses technologies like “cookies to store and/or access device information” and the processing of “browsing behavior or unique IDs.” This relates to the broader infrastructure of information and communications technology (ICT), which is a key component of SDG 9. The very existence of such a notice on a website implies the use and advancement of digital infrastructure.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • This goal includes protecting fundamental freedoms. The article’s core function is to inform users and request consent for data processing (“Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data… Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect…”). This mechanism is a direct application of principles designed to protect the fundamental freedom of privacy in the digital realm, aligning with the spirit of building accountable systems.

3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • This goal emphasizes the importance of technology as a means of implementation for sustainable development. The article describes the operational use of “enabling technology,” specifically ICT, for functions like statistics and marketing. This reflects the widespread use of technology that SDG 17 aims to enhance and make accessible.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified as relevant:

1. Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology (ICT)

   • The article is an artifact of the digital world, presupposing that users have access to ICT. The technologies discussed (“cookies,” “browsing behavior,” “unique IDs”) are integral parts of the modern internet infrastructure, and their use is a consequence of the increased access that Target 9.c aims to achieve.

2. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms

   • The cookie consent notice is a mechanism to ensure public access to information about how personal data is collected and used. By providing options to “consent” or “withdraw consent,” it directly addresses the protection of fundamental freedoms related to personal data and privacy on the internet.

3. Target 17.8: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology

   • The article explicitly details the use of ICT for various purposes, including “statistical purposes” and creating “user profiles to send advertising.” This demonstrates the operationalization and enhancement of ICT, which is the central theme of Target 17.8.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article does not mention any official SDG indicators. However, it implies certain metrics or practices that could serve as proxy indicators for the identified targets:

1. Implied Indicators for Target 9.c and 17.8

   • Use of web technologies: The mention of “cookies,” “browsing behavior,” and “unique IDs” indicates the active use of web technologies. The prevalence of such technologies on websites can be seen as an indirect measure of ICT adoption and use.
   • Data for statistical purposes: The text states that technical storage is used “exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes.” The collection of such data, which could include user traffic and engagement, serves as an indicator of the extent of digital activity and ICT utilization.

2. Implied Indicators for Target 16.10

   • Implementation of consent mechanisms: The entire notice is a consent mechanism. The presence and functionality of such notices on websites can be an indicator of the extent to which organizations are providing information to the public and implementing measures to protect user freedoms regarding data privacy.
   • User choice and control: The option to “not consent or withdraw consent” is a key feature mentioned. The availability of such user controls is a direct, measurable indicator of the protection of digital freedoms.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: www2.fundsforngos.org