In the context of creating a user-generated content feature on a website, what are some considerations for ensuring data privacy and security, especially when dealing with sensitive information like email addresses?

When creating a user-generated content feature on a website, it is crucial to prioritize data privacy and security, especially when handling sensitive information like email addresses. One way to ensure this is by implementing proper data encryption techniques, such as hashing email addresses before storing them in the database. Additionally, utilizing secure HTTPS connections and regularly updating security measures can help protect user data from potential breaches.

// Hashing email addresses before storing them in the database
$email = $_POST['email'];
$hashed_email = password_hash($email, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);

// Storing the hashed email in the database
$stmt = $pdo->prepare("INSERT INTO users (email) VALUES (:email)");
$stmt->bindParam(':email', $hashed_email);
$stmt->execute();