The Internet has enriched virtually every corner of our lives, opening up possibilities for learning, social interaction, and entertainment that we never thought would be possible. Not only does this provide convenient access to everyday items, but it also helps us expand our knowledge and skills. As our reliance on online services increases, so does the amount of personal data we are giving away, leaving us vulnerable to data breaches and other privacy concerns. To protect ourselves from these potential threats, it’s important to be aware of how our data is being used and to practice safe online habits.

Data Privacy Day is an international effort to raise awareness and promote data privacy and data protection best practices—what better way to wrap up Data Privacy Week than to gain an understanding of the event’s history?1,2,3

The Story Behind Data Privacy Day

With the rise of the digital economy, the potential for misuse of personal data has exponentially increased. 

On January 28, 1981, the Council of Europe signed Convention 108, the first international treaty, setting the international standards for data privacy and security and providing a strong legal framework for protecting people’s data. 

The first international data protection event was held on April 26, 2006, and European Data Protection Day was established as an annual event to be observed on January 28. The event was created in response to growing concern about the improper use of personal data, as well as the need to ensure that data is shared responsibly and securely across Europe.

Data Privacy Day was adopted in the United States in January 2008 as an extension of Data Protection Day in Europe, and was made official by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009. In 2014,  January 28 was declared as the National Data Privacy Day by the U.S. Congress.

Celebrated annually on January 28 , the purpose of National Data Privacy Day is to:

  • Inform people about online dangers like identity theft and data breaches.
  • Promote the importance of data privacy and cybersecurity.
  • Encourage people to be more cautious about their online activities in order to keep their data safe.
  • Encourage people to assume ownership of protecting their own data and other people’s data. 
  • Ensure that data protection is seen as a fundamental right worldwide.

Ideas for Celebrating Data Privacy Day

Participating in Data Privacy Day celebrations is a great way to show your commitment to protecting your personal information as well as the personal information of your loved ones and friends. Here are a few ideas that you can pick up to celebrate Data Privacy Day.4,5,6,7,8

  • Spend some time learning about your personal data privacy rights.
  • Keep a list of the people to contact if there is a data breach. 
  • Learn about data privacy, cybersecurity, data encryption, web cookies, and other related concepts.
  • Take out some time to review privacy settings of various accounts you hold.
  • Discuss data privacy with your friends and family.
  • Ensure that you have up-to-date security software installed on your devices.
  • Participate in data privacy events, workshops, and bootcamps (both in person and online).

Now that you know the story behind Data Privacy Day, go ahead and take proactive steps to protect your data and maintain your online privacy. 

To read more blogs like this, visit BYJU’S FutureSchool Blog.

Also Read

All You Need to Know About Data Privacy

What is Data Encryption

Cookies: Are They Safe?

The Connection Between Coding and Cybersecurity

References

  1. 28 January – Data protection day – Portal. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/28-january-data-protection-day# 
  2. DATA PRIVACY DAY – January 28, 2023 – National Today. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://nationaltoday.com/data-privacy-day/ 
  3. Data Privacy Day 2022: History Significance And All You Need To Know. (2022). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://news.abplive.com/technology/data-privacy-day-2022-history-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-1508920 
  4. Your Guide to Celebrating Data Privacy Day | Blog | OneTrust. (2022). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.onetrust.com/blog/data-privacy-day/ 
  5. 5 Ways to Celebrate Data Privacy Day | by eSimplicity | Medium. (2020). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://esimplicity.medium.com/5-ways-to-celebrate-data-privacy-day-d8abfce53909 
  6. Peters, J. (2023) Celebrate Data Privacy Week: Free privacy and security awareness resources | Infosec Resources. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/topic/celebrate-data-privacy-day-by-sharing-these-free-resources/ 
  7. Let’s Celebrate Data Privacy Day Everyday | Inspired eLearning Blog. (2019). Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://inspiredelearning.com/blog/lets-celebrate-data-privacy-day-everyday/ 
  8. On January 28, Data Privacy Day Encourages Consumers to “Own Their Privacy” and Businesses to Improve Their Data Privacy Practices – National Cybersecurity Alliance. (2020). Press Release. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://staysafeonline.org/news-press/press-release/on-january-28-data-privacy-day-encourages-consumers-to-own-their-privacy-and-businesses-to-improve-their-data-privacy-practices/ 
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