What is Data Privacy Day?

Led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Data Privacy Day began in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of Data Protection Day in Europe. Observed annually on January 28, Data Protection Day commemorates the January 28, 1981 signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection.

Each year, data breaches continue to grow in size and scope – exposing consumers’ sensitive, personal information and businesses’ valuable data. Against this backdrop, Data Privacy Day helps spread awareness about privacy and educates citizens on how to secure their personal information. It also works to encourage businesses to be more transparent about how they collect, store and use data.

Why We Should Care about Online Privacy

With the California Consumer Privacy Act taking effect this year and other states considering similar legislation, data privacy will become a central issue for businesses in 2020. Yet while consumers conduct much of their lives on the internet via connected devices, few understand the critical issue of privacy and how their personal information is used, collected and shared by businesses. This data can be stored indefinitely and used in both beneficial and unwelcome ways. Even seemingly innocuous information – such as your favorite restaurants or items you purchase – can be used to make inferences about your socioeconomic status, preferences and more.

Data Privacy Day Resources