The State of California collects, processes and stores vast amounts of residents’ personal information and other important, sensitive data. Keeping that data private is critical to securing the confidentiality and trust of the public. So, it makes sense that the California Department of Technology, the guardian of California’s public data, is celebrating Data Privacy Day!
Data Privacy Day is an international effort to empower individuals, business and governments to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable public trust. Observed annually on Jan. 28, it is an international effort to create awareness about the importance of respecting privacy, safeguarding data and enabling trust. Data Privacy Day began in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe that commemorates the Jan. 28, 1981, signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding, international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection.
The State collects it so we must protect it. What can you do?
- Take this opportunity to refresh your awareness and understanding of your department’s security and privacy policies and procedures.
- Be sure to follow closely those established policies and procedures to keep information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access.
- Report any suspicious activity or concerns about privacy violations to your information security office.
Privacy is everyone’s business. Step up and be a champion!
Together we can improve data privacy and security practices within state government.