Data protection is important. It not only protects our data, but also our person. 

Nowadays, it is difficult to keep track of where we leave what data and who collects what data from us. Accordingly, it is almost impossible to keep track of what information is already available about us and what can be done with this information. 

The business models of large companies today are often based on collecting and analysing data. Data has become an important raw material and has a measurable value. Even if this information is usually only used to display customised advertising, this data still harbours a risk. Even larger companies are subject to attacks in which criminals attempt to steal customer data. This means that information about us can be published unintentionally or even fall into criminal hands. 

If data from different sources is eventually combined and used against individuals by governments, for example, this data can even pose a threat to life and limb. 

This makes it all the more important to define clear regulations and laws regarding the conditions under which personal data may be processed. The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an example of such a law. The GDPR regulates the processing of personal data for all individuals, institutions and companies that wish to process the data of EU citizens.

The rights that we as private individuals have in the processing of our data are the obligations of companies that arise from the GDPR and national data protection laws. 

"I have nothing to hide" is an ill-considered and completely false statement. It's not about whether someone has something to hide, but about the right to informational self-determination - i.e. to decide for myself what I want to publish. 

"I have nothing to publish" would therefore be a more accurate statement.