“Google policy is to get right up to the 'creepy' line and not cross it,” says the company's CEO. But when does insightful personalisation become intrusive? And how do brands build lasting relationships with consumers concerned about being spied on?

Easy-to-use personal security measures are a welcome antidote to the privacy fears that plague a post-PRISM scandal world. But are encrypted text messages a necessity, or just a fan to the flames of a paranoia epidemic?

There's an increasing consumer awareness of the value of their personal data - and in response, those who gather it are finding ways to emphasise the 'value exchange' while becoming more transparent about how it's used.

Nearly 60% of UK women have a Boots Advantage Card, earning points whenever they stock up on shampoo. Its companion app uses the mass of data collected via the loyalty scheme to display in-store offers tailored to each customer. But is this use of data met with open arms?