In the maritime industry, data is the new fuel—powering everything from voyage optimisation to emissions tracking. But as digital tools become more sophisticated, so do the questions around data privacy, consent, and transparency. The latest policy updates from ZeroNorth, a leading maritime tech provider, highlight the tension between personalisation and privacy in an increasingly data-driven sector.
ZeroNorth’s recent consent management framework is a case study in balancing user experience with regulatory compliance. The company’s approach is straightforward: cookies and similar technologies are used to store and access device information, improving browsing experience and enabling targeted (or non-targeted) ads. But here’s the catch—consenting to these technologies means ZeroNorth can process data like browsing behaviour or unique IDs on its site. Opting out or withdrawing consent could limit certain features and functions.
This isn’t just about pop-ups and preferences. It’s about how the maritime industry handles data in an era of stricter regulations. ZeroNorth’s policy outlines four key categories of data processing:
1. **Strictly Necessary**: Technical storage or access is required for services explicitly requested by the user, like enabling a specific function on the platform.
2. **Preferences**: Storage or access is necessary to remember user preferences, even if not explicitly requested.
3. **Statistical**: Data is used exclusively for statistical purposes, often anonymised to protect user identity.
4. **Marketing**: Storage or access is used to create user profiles for advertising or tracking across websites.
The most contentious category is the last one—marketing. ZeroNorth’s policy makes it clear that without a subpoena or voluntary compliance from an internet service provider, data collected for advertising purposes alone can’t usually identify users. But this raises a bigger question: how much anonymisation is enough in an industry where data accuracy is critical?
For maritime professionals, this is more than a legal footnote. It’s a reminder that the data driving efficiency gains, emissions reductions, and operational insights must be handled with care. As ZeroNorth’s policy shows, the line between useful personalisation and intrusive tracking is thin—and it’s getting thinner.
The maritime sector is no stranger to data-driven decision-making. From AI-powered voyage optimisation to real-time emissions monitoring, the industry is embracing digital transformation at pace. But as tools become more sophisticated, so do the ethical and regulatory challenges. ZeroNorth’s consent framework is a step toward transparency, but it also highlights a broader industry challenge: how to balance innovation with privacy in a world where data is king.
For maritime tech providers, the message is clear: build trust through transparency. For users, the takeaway is equally straightforward: understand what you’re consenting to—and why it matters. The future of maritime tech isn’t just about smarter algorithms; it’s about smarter, more responsible data practices.