In case you didn’t know, January 28^th is Data Privacy Day and an opportunity for consumers and businesses around the world to think more about the issues of privacy and the protection of data.

The event has been running for a couple of years now, under the stewardship of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).

According to the NCSA, ” In this networked world, in which we are thoroughly digitized, with our identities, locations, actions, purchases, associations, movements, and histories stored as so many bits and bytes, we have to ask – who is collecting all of this data – what are they doing with it  – with whom are they sharing it?  Most of all, individuals are asking ‘How can I protect my information from being misused?’  These are reasonable questions to ask – we should all want to know the answers.”

It continues, “Data Privacy Day promotes awareness about the many ways personal information is collected, stored, used, and shared, and education about privacy practices that will enable individuals to protect their personal information. “

The initiative has a number of goals, but places most of its focus on two important issues:

• Encouraging businesses to be more respectful of consumer privacy, more honest and open about their data collection and privacy practices, and providing better protection for personal information.
• Encouraging consumers to play their part, think twice about sharing their personal information, and limiting the amount of personal information they allow to leak out.

The NCSA will be holding a series of local and online events and town halls. The initiative is sponsored by eBay and Intel and supported by industry giants like MasterCard, Intuit, and Facebook. And while it might come as a surprise that such a repeat privacy offender as Facebook would be invited to support such an important initiative, at least it’s a good way to shine a spotlight on what many consider to be at the heart of the cyber security epidemic – a lack of respect for consumer privacy.

You can learn more about Data Privacy Day at this link, where you can also get some great advice and download logos, posters, and tip sheets.

http://www.staysafeonline.org/dpd/about

Related posts:

1. IN THE HEADLINES: Privacy Is More Important than Security for Smartphone Users
2. IN THE HEADLINES: Rite Aid Fined for Dumping Your Data
3. IN THE HEADLINES: Don’t forget about privacy this year.
4. IN THE HEADLINES: Most Young Employees Don’t Believe They Should Protect Data
5. IN THE HEADLINES: How Privacy Rules Have Changed for Children