Data Privacy Day

Data Privacy Day, observed January 28th, is an internationally recognized observance promoting awareness of how personal data is collected, used, and protected online. The date commemorates the anniversary of the Council of Europe's Convention 108, signed January 28, 1981, the first legally binding international treaty addressing data protection and privacy. The observance was launched in the United States and Canada in 2008 by the National Cyber Security Alliance, building on "Data Protection Day," which had already been observed in Europe since 2007, and it has since grown into "Data Privacy Week" in some regions to provide more time for education and outreach. The day encourages individuals to review privacy settings on social media and other accounts, use stronger passwords and two-factor authentication, understand how companies collect and monetize personal data, and think critically about what information they share online. Businesses and organizations often use the day to reinforce data protection policies, train employees on cybersecurity best practices, and highlight compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe or various U.S. state privacy laws. On Data Privacy Day, people are encouraged to audit their digital footprint and strengthen their personal online security.