What is meant by "implicit consent" in privacy practices?

Implicit consent refers to the concept where consent is not directly communicated through explicit means, such as written or verbal agreements, but rather inferred from the individual's actions or circumstances. This type of consent is often seen in situations where individuals engage with services or products in a way that suggests their agreement with the terms of use or privacy practices.

For example, if a user visits a website and uses its features without taking steps to opt-out of data collection practices, their behavior can be interpreted as implicit consent to the site's data handling practices. This contrasts with explicit consent, which requires clear, informed approval from the individual. Implicit consent is considered acceptable in certain contexts within privacy practices, particularly when it aligns with the expectations of the individuals involved and the service provided.