Creating Strong Privacy Protections for Next-Generation Technology As the privacy engineer behind Google's Starline project, Nayak has been instrumental in making sure that privacy is a top priority in this new 3D video calling technology.

By Vikram Desai

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Surabhi Nayak

Google's Starline project transforms how we connect, bringing people closer together while prioritizing privacy. Surabhi Nayak, a privacy engineer at Google, is crucial in ensuring these privacy protections are in place.

"We protect our users' privacy to maintain their trust," says Nayak, who has over a decade of experience in data security and privacy. At Google, she focuses on making sure that Google Starline handles user data with care, drawing on her previous experience as a data protection manager at Ernst & Young. This background gave her a solid foundation in data security, helping her tackle the important role she now has at Google.

Integrating Privacy into Technology Development

As technology changes, particularly with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, addressing privacy concerns becomes crucial. Nayak incorporates privacy considerations from the initial stages of product development. She works closely with product teams to embed privacy features into the design process from the start.

Nayak's role involves collaborating with various teams to identify potential privacy issues before they become significant problems. By applying the principles of "privacy by design," she integrates privacy into every stage of the product life cycle. This proactive strategy helps mitigate risks and fosters user trust as technology progresses.

Ensuring Privacy in Google Starline

As the privacy engineer behind Google's Starline project, Nayak has been instrumental in making sure that privacy is a top priority in this new 3D video calling technology. For over two years, she has worked closely with teams across the board, from product developers to legal experts, to ensure that Google Starline's design and features always keep user privacy in mind.

One way Nayak has improved Google Starline's privacy is by advocating for features that give users more control. She helped introduce clear indicators and lights on the device so users know exactly when their video is being shared or recorded. These features make it easier for users to manage their privacy and feel secure using Google Starline.

Nayak's work goes beyond just adding these features. She's also involved in securing the product's architecture - making sure that Google Starline handles user data carefully, from how it's collected to how it's stored and used. Her efforts have made Google Starline an advanced communication tool that prioritizes and protects user privacy, establishing a new level of security.

Balancing Technological Progress with Privacy

Finding the right balance between technological advancement and privacy protection is a huge challenge for companies today. They must navigate regulations like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) while remaining competitive. Nayak understands the importance of transparency and giving users control in product development. Her mission is to create technologies that push boundaries while respecting and safeguarding user privacy.

In her role as the privacy engineer for Google's Starline project, Nayak plays a crucial part in ensuring that this communication tool not only fulfills its technological goals but also prioritizes user privacy. Her work involves conducting thorough reviews to identify and address potential privacy issues, helping to ensure that Google Starline meets the highest privacy standards. By doing so, Nayak helps protect the privacy of Google's users and reinforces the company's commitment to strong privacy practices.

As technology advances, new privacy challenges arise, such as those related to edge computing and quantum computing. Edge computing, which processes data closer to its source, raises concerns about data distribution across multiple devices, while quantum computing introduces new complexities around encryption methods. Nayak is actively engaged in addressing these emerging challenges, emphasizing the importance of ongoing privacy management to keep pace with technological changes.

Nayak's role highlights the critical importance of privacy engineers in the tech industry. Her work with Google Starline illustrates how privacy professionals can guide technological progress while maintaining user trust and privacy.

Vikram Desai is a writer with a keen interest in business and the startups sector. He has a knack for spotting emerging startup trends and has an eye for the detail. 
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

News and Trends

Google to Acquire Wiz for $32 Billion to Boost Cybersecurity Capabilities

This is the largest acquisition by Google in its history. Earlier in 2022, it acquired another cybersecurity firm – Mandiant – for USD 5.4 billion and merged it with Google Cloud.

Starting a Business

A Teen With Cerebral Palsy Pitched a Creative Product in School. He Got a B- — Then Grew the Business to $5 Million a Year Anyway.

Drew Davis, founder of Crippling Hot Sauce, uses humor and business to make a major impact.

Business News

Treasury Department Will Not Enforce BOI Requirements for U.S. Small Businesses. Here's What to Know.

As of last week, business owners faced a March 21 deadline to complete the report. Now, the deadline has been suspended.

News and Trends

Nourish You Secures INR 16 Cr in Series A Funding Led by SIDBI Venture Capital

The brand will use the fresh capital to scale operations, enhance retention, expand globally, diversify its superfoods and protein portfolio, and integrate AI-driven technology for personalised consumer experiences and deeper engagement.

Science & Technology

How Can Marketers Use ChatGPT? Here Are the Top 11 Uses.

With the recent developments in AI and the popularity of ChatGPT, you may want to integrate AI into your marketing practices. Find out how.