By Michael Kaiser, NCSA
January 28 promises to be the most widely recognized Data Privacy Day since its first observation in 2008.
This, of course, is one effect of the many stories over the past year that has put data privacy in headlines across the world. These stories have reinvigorated old debates, and prompted new questions, about the increasingly complex relationship between individuals, online data they create or is about them, and how data is protected and shared.
The profile of these discussions has been heightened this Data Privacy Day as perhaps never before. But for those who would frame data privacy as the individual-versus-corporations or individual-versus-government, there are more constructive approaches to protecting privacy than adversarial ones. And that’s why the theme of Data Privacy Day is Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data and Enabling Trust. It is a call to action for everyone – individuals, governments and organizations – to place a high value on privacy and be good stewards of the data they create, access and use. An October 2013 study by Raytheon reported 70 percent of young adults (18 to 26) had a high concern for their personal information being collected or used in ways they were not aware. The pathway toward addressing those concerns and restoring trust is protecting privacy. Creating a safer, more secure and trusted Internet is a springboard for enabling us to realize the true promise of the Internet.
While we do not often think of it this way, protecting privacy is indeed a shared responsibility. Just as companies and organizations face deserved pressure to protect data from unauthorized breaches, and to be transparent when such breaches occur, individuals have an equally substantial role in respecting privacy. The proliferation of social networks and the vast amounts of digital data that we create, collect and store about ourselves and others confers a responsibility on everyone to respect the privacy of others.
We have a ways to go before that responsibility is fully met. The Raytheon study found more than half of young adults indicated a high concern for being harassed or stalked (57 percent), their social media account being hacked (59 percent), or someone knowing their current location (56 percent). In that light, would all be well served to think about how the use of data and personal information can impact others.
This holistic approach and broad-sweeping theme shines on Data Privacy Day. Nearly 200 organizations across North America and Europe have signed on as Data Privacy Day Champions, pledging to engage their communities about responsible data stewardship and privacy practices with online webinars, employee training sessions, public lectures and other events. The collective efforts of companies, nonprofit groups, colleges and universities and community groups will help make individuals more cognizant of privacy considerations and empower them to control their digital footprint.
The Internet is a global platform. Therefore, global engagement in education and awareness on Data Privacy Day is a critical measure of its success. We’re thrilled to have international partners like the Data Security Council of India working to promote a culture of privacy. Creating create a culture of privacy where people understand, respect and protect the personal information of others is fundamental to building a safer, more secure, and trusted Internet.
I want to thank the Data Security Council of India for its ongoing leadership and efforts to support initiatives like STOP. THINK. CONNECT. India and Data Privacy Day. I hope very much your efforts will spread throughout India giving people the tools they need to navigate the online world with the level of privacy they desire and in a safe and secure manner. Your efforts make Data Privacy Day a truly global event and you should be proud of your impact in protecting all digital citizens.