Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
January 28, 2014
Data Privacy Day - January 28, 2014
Be proactive about privacy and vigilant about maintaining it, Information and Privacy Commissioner Ed Ring says
Information and Privacy Commissioner Ed Ring is encouraging citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador to value and protect their personal information.
The reminder is in support of Data Privacy Day, marked annually around the world on January 28 to commemorate the January 28, 1981 signing of Convention 108 – the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. Data Privacy Day aims to highlight the impact technology is having on our privacy rights, and to promote the importance of valuing and protecting personal information.
Our world is increasingly digitally-oriented, and with advancements in technology allowing for greater ease in the flow of data online, it is becoming more important than ever for people to be aware of their digital imprint and the possible ramifications of their actions and information sharing online. Always remember that being a good online citizen means practicing conscientious data stewardship: be proactive about privacy and vigilant about maintaining it.
Some of the steps people can take to help protect their personal information include:
- Use safety and security settings on online services and adjust to your own comfort level of sharing. Always consider how and with whom you share information.
- Give out as little personal information as possible. If you are being asked for your birthdate, email address, or other personal details: ask why? Don’t provide it if you don’t have to.
- Know how your personal information will be used. Ask questions and read privacy policies.
- Ensure your computer has the newest version of your Internet browser; install up-to-date software and virus protection; and make sure your wireless network is secure.
- Even after taking these steps, always think carefully before posting anything online: keep your online reputation in mind and consider how your post could impact it.
- Secure mobile devices with hard-to-guess passwords and avoid storing sensitive information on them. Think “long, strong and unique” when choosing a password.
- Be aware of the added risks of sharing personal information via Wi-Fi hotspots, adjust your security settings accordingly and limit information sharing in these settings.
Taking control of personal information is useful advice for individuals, but also for businesses and organizations that collect personal information. Protecting personal information has much greater value to organizations than simply complying with privacy laws – it helps to develop consumer trust.
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner joins governments, privacy professionals, corporations, academics and students from around the world, in marking Data Privacy Day 2014. As part of our efforts to further the data protection message to the youth of this province, we will be launching our first Data Privacy Poster Contest in the coming weeks. Aimed at school children from Kindergarten to Grade 12, the contest will award prizes in four categories (Grades k-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12), for original posters created by students depicting what data protection mean to them: “Do children and youth have privacy rights? What does this mean to you?” Stay tuned for the launch of this contest in March 2014.
For more information on Data Privacy Day 2014 please go to our website: www.oipc.nl.ca , or www.staysafeonline.org/dpd.
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Media contact:
Ed Ring
Information and Privacy Commissioner
709-729-6309
2014 01 28 9:45 a.m.