Take control of your data in a digitally explosive age

The ability to protect one’s data has changed dramatically. We no longer just look to our file cabinet or file boxes to find our private and confidential data. Personally identifiable data is digitally available everywhere, from online banking, medical portals, the IRS, to your personal devices including cell phones, computer hard drives and even cloud storage. No wonder those with nefarious intentions have it so easy. Just this past year, there were 720 healthcare data breaches affecting 186 million individuals. We use the week of Jan. 27 – 31 to focus on data privacy and promote efforts to counteract the negative impacts of data being stolen. 

Learn more

For more resources on data privacy, visit

• Data Privacy Week - National Cybersecurity Alliance – Plethora of data privacy guidance for organizations and individuals
• Data Privacy Week 2025  – Three educational videos to share with your staff
• Which states Have Consumer Data Privacy Laws? – State listing (as of September 2024) that have passed stronger protections

History 

Data Privacy Day was first established in Canada and the United States in 2008 as an extension of Europe’s Data Protection Day, which commemorates the signing of Convention 108 on January 28, 1981. This was the first international treaty focused on data privacy and protection, aiming to safeguard individuals' rights amid the growing digital exchange of personal data across borders.

While important all year long, this national data protection effort advocates for respecting individual privacy and urges organizations, both private and public, to be more transparent in their data handling practices.

The theme for this year is “Take Control of Your Data” and emphasizes the vital role that both local government and employees fill in protecting the data of constituents they provide services for.

Local Government Efforts: Local government’s role includes being transparent. Below are activities that can support greater transparency:

• Review your data privacy policy. Ensure that it covers not only resident data handling but employee data as well
• Publicize your data privacy policy on your website
• Include abbreviated versions and links to your data privacy policy in communications to county residents. This could include tax bill notices, social media posts, and any type of online payment process
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date inventory of county data assets, performing periodic audits to ensure accuracy and completeness. The results can be summarized and shared in annual reports and other public publications, including board and commissioner meetings
• Incorporate processes using artificial intelligence that can automate and contribute to the transparency of your data handling.
• Remind employees of their responsibilities with data handling. Conducting onboarding and on-going training about national regulations covering the Health Insurance Accountability Act (HIPAA) and where appropriate, the Criminal Justice Information Sharing (CJIS) regulations are important

Employee efforts

Another way to enhance your county data privacy is to provide ways for county employees to protect themselves personally. In keeping with the theme of “Take Control of your data” the following highlight how employees can implement data privacy in their own lives and on behalf of the organization they work for:

• Manage your privacy settings - Use direct links to update your privacy settings on popular devices and online services. Learn more
• Take control of your data - Follow steps to better manage your personal information and make informed decisions about who receives your data.  Learn more
• Respect privacy - Respecting consumers’ privacy for inspiring trust and enhancing reputation and growth in your line of work.Learn more
• Become a champion - Champions represent those dedicated to empowering individuals and encouraging businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust. View all champions

This week serves as a reminder of the importance of data security and addresses legitimate concerns of users whose personal information may be compromised. This initiative also reviews and promotes best practices in data privacy, which can help prevent individuals from becoming victims of cyberstalking, scams and other malicious activities that can occur when personal data is misused.

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, Data Privacy Week serves as a crucial reminder to take proactive steps in safeguarding personal information and advocating for transparent data practices.