The room was dimly lit when Tina Turner entered. SK sat up in anticipation, ready to talk to one of his favourite singers about one of his favourite topics, data protection. Her famous honey-blonde hair was as spiky and luxurious as it had looked on all the magazine covers he’d ever seen her on. He felt a warmth wash over him when she greeted him with the widest of smiles. The two of them were soon seated on throne-like velvet sofas, and ready to talk.

“Your music has been so iconic, mama,” began SK, after they’d said their greetings. His belly tightened into a knot as he spoke. “I’m so happy to finally meet you!”

“Thank you, young man. I’ve also heard good things about you and your work with non-profits.”

“Thanks, Mam’ Tina. And forgive me for saying so, but I’ve been told that your music is more than iconic. I’ve been told it’s “simply the best!“

Tina simply smiled. A gracious smile.

No awkward jokes, SK thought. Don’t mess this up! He continued speaking. “Those beautiful, butt-kicking lyrics are exactly what I’d like to talk about, but in a data protection context. I’m going to quote from some of your most famous songs, if you don’t mind.”

“Okay… Go on. Let’s hear what you’ve got.”

The knot in his belly tightened even more. “Well, let me start here,” he said, steadying himself. “I’ve heard you sing, ‘What’s love got to do with it?‘ I’m here to say: nothing. You don’t have to love your organisation’s data subjects. You just have to care deeply about them. Caring about them and the consequences that can befall them if you don’t protect their data, is the start of good data protection. How does that sound?”

“Interesting. I love your accent, by the way. My reps told me you’re from Cape Town.”

SK’s face lit up. “Yes! Yes, I am. And thanks. We have many interesting accents in this beautiful country of ours.”

She nodded and smiled. “I’ve already heard some of them…”

“Next one. ‘We don’t need another hero.’ That’s one of my favourites. With data protection, though, no organisation needs a hero. An organisation needs a good Information Officer and a team of useful and helpful people.”

“Sounds like you might be one of those useful people,” she said, smiling and nodding in his direction.

“I won’t take all the credit. There’s a whole Michalsons team behind me. But, anyway, next one. I know you need to leave soon. You once sang, ‘I don’t wanna lose you’ and gave us a great hit. In a data protection context, there are several things you don’t want to lose.” He put his fingers up and began counting. “Money, due to fines from the regulator. Your good reputation. I don’t think donors would want to be associated with you if you don’t protect your data subjects’ data. Sleep. I don’t imagine you’d get much sleep knowing that your data subjects have suffered harm and the regulator is about to do a Compliance Assessment.”

“You really thought of this, didn’t you? I’d really like to hear more about this. For now, though, I’ll hear one more, and then you can send the rest to my team.”

SK obliged. “Another one of your song that had us happily singing along is ‘Private Dancer.’ I’m happy to report that you don’t have to dance for your data subjects, but you do have to respect their right to privacy, and make sure that everything and every project your organisation uses their data for, shows that respect. Privacy by design is something organisation often put in place to show that respect.”

“Well, SK, you’ve given me a lot to chew on. I really like what you’ve had to say. Seems like I’ll have to put my mic down and pick up data protection.”

The two smiled like old friends sharing a drink, and, just like that, the interview was over and Tina left.

THE END.

Rest in peace, Tina Turner.

Written by Sicelo Kula.