The article, authored by Esat Artug, delves into the increasing significance of first- and zero-party data in the context of evolving privacy regulations and customer expectations. Zero-party data, voluntarily shared by customers, is highlighted as a privacy-first approach that allows companies to create tailored experiences without the concerns associated with third-party data. In contrast, first-party data, collected directly through customer interactions, remains a valuable resource for personalization, though transparency and compliance with regulations like GDPR are essential. The shift away from third-party data is prompted by privacy concerns and reduced effectiveness due to technological changes, such as the phasing out of third-party cookies. The text illustrates how companies like The New York Times and Kia have successfully leveraged first- and zero-party data to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth, emphasizing the importance of building customer relationships through responsible data collection.