User Consent
User consent is a legal and ethical concept in technology that refers to obtaining explicit, informed permission from users before collecting, processing, or sharing their personal data. It is a fundamental principle in data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA, ensuring users have control over their information. In practice, it involves clear communication of data practices and providing users with meaningful choices.
Developers should learn about user consent to build compliant applications that respect user privacy and avoid legal penalties, especially for products handling personal data in regulated industries like healthcare or finance. It is critical when implementing features like cookies, analytics, tracking, or data sharing with third parties, as non-compliance can lead to fines and reputational damage. Understanding consent helps create transparent user experiences that foster trust.