Data Privacy Day 2009—Protecting Privacy Builds Trust in Technology
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Data Privacy Day 2009

On January 28, 2009, the United States, Canada, and 27 European countries celebrated Data Privacy Day together for the second time.

Designed to raise awareness and generate discussion about data privacy practices and rights, Data Privacy Day activities in the United States have included privacy professionals, corporations, government officials, and representatives, academics, and students across the country.

One of the primary goals of Data Privacy Day is to promote privacy awareness and education among teens across the United States. Data Privacy Day also serves the important purpose of furthering international collaboration and cooperation around privacy issues.

Educational materials

Educational materials

Over 55 percent of online American teens between 12 and 17 use social networks, and older teens are even more likely to have profiles. The vast majority of American teens use the Internet. Choose a prepared presentation or group of materials and use them to help educate teens about how to protect the privacy of their personal information online. Alternatively, search the useful links and resources below to find a video or website that speaks to your particular audience. The important thing is to get teens talking and thinking critically about privacy. As innovative and creative users of technology, teens can be the first and best protectors of their privacy online.

 View educational materials  

Events

Events

In January 2009, events pertaining to data privacy took place across the United States, Canada, and Europe. From shredding events to academic conferences on topics including national security and data transfers, social networking and information security, Privacy Day offered many opportunities to learn more about data privacy and to take action to protect personal information. Data Privacy Day 2009 Retrospective coming soon.



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  • Data Privacy Day: Government's Role in Increasing Privacy Awareness and Trust, January 28, 2009, 4:30-6:30 pm, Washington D.C., 2168 Rayburn Building, entrances located on Independence Ave. and South Capitol Street.

    Featuring Congressman David Price and Member of the European Parliament Alexander Alvaro, in addition to representatives from TRUSTe, CIPL, CDT and industry.
  • Protecting National Security and Privacy: Approaches of New Administrations in the U.S. and Europe, Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University, January 26-27, 2009, hosted by Intel, the Institute for Homeland Security Solutions, and the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security, with support from the Office of the Provost of Duke University, the Duke Center for European Studies, the Center for International Studies, and the Triangle Institute for Security Studies, featuring representatives from the United States Departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security as well as the European Commission.
  • The Privacy by Design Challenge at the Toronto Board of Trade, January 28, 2009, hosted by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the Toronto Board of Trade.

    In a world of increasingly savvy and inter-connected customers, your company’s approach to information privacy may offer precisely the competitive advantage you need to succeed. Privacy is essential to creating an environment that fosters trusting, long-term relationships with existing customers, while attracting opportunity and facilitating the development of new ones. Spend the morning with Dr. Ann Cavoukian, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, and nine privacy leaders from Intel, IBM, Sun, Microsoft, Privacy Analytics, OLG, GS1, Facebook, and HP, as they present their latest innovations in Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs). You will begin to appreciate how “Privacy by Design”—embedding PETs into the architecture of new systems—protects privacy, without compromising performance or security—a positive-sum outcome.
  • Data Privacy Day Cocktail Event, Brussels, Belgium, organized by European Privacy Officers Forum (EPOF) and International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), at the offices of Hunton & Williams, January 28, 2009. Time: TBD.
  • On the evening of Wednesday, January 28, 2009, Microsoft will host an interactive community event highlighting online privacy concerns, guidance and solutions in the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Public Library from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Microsoft will present a brief documentary, featuring findings from a recent focus group study, which included three different age groups discussing their feelings about online privacy, as well as a panel discussion among industry experts, consumer advocates, and policy makers. (open to the public)
  • The Institute of American and Talmudic Law presents Midwinter Conference 2009: "The Right to Privacy and Individual Liberties -- From Ancient Times to the Cyberspace Age," Wednesday, January 28, 2009, featuring the Honorable Justice Antonin Scalia, Jules Polonetsky and Christopher Wolf, and other privacy academics and experts, hosted by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, 767 Fifth Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, NY. (Qualifies for 8.5 CLE credits) Phone (212) 302-2444 and email conference@iatlaw.org.
  • Information Security Best Practices 2009: Interactive Media, Consumer Behavior and the Law, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania January 29-30, 2009.

    Bringing together world-renowned academic experts in law, computer science, business and other disciplines with leaders from industry to create a discussion of current "best practices" in corporate information security and consumer data protection.

    Topics of panels will include financial data security, health data privacy, children's data security, vulnerability disclosure practices, data breach notification law, comparative EU-US data security obligations, information taxation, trade secret protection, encryption standards and other information security and privacy topics. Each speaker will offer the audience a "take-away" of a best information security practice in the subject matter of the speaker's expertise.
  • The Technology and Entrepreneurial Company Group of the Florida law firm Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A., will present a 35-minute podcast entitled "Privacy Online: Social Networking, Privacy Policies, Security Risks and Ways to Protect Your Personal Information Online," intended for a broad audience, including parents, young adults, teens, teachers, and others who use social networking sites (i.e., Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, LinkedIn) as well as business people who provide Web services to consumers. The script is available for download and printing and may be used for educational purposes.
  • The Center for Advancing Business through IT at Arizona State University will host a Data Privacy Breakfast, "Charting a Roadmap for Privacy Discussions," on January 28, 2009 from 7:00 – 9:00 am in room 228 of the Memorial Union, featuring a panel discussion of key privacy issues facing private, public and educational institutions.
  • “Surf the Net – Think Privacy” video competition for 15 to 19 year olds, organized by European Schoolnet with the support of Microsoft and European Economic and Social Committee.
  • In celebration of Data Privacy Day 2009, the Colorado Privacy and Security Network will hold its inaugural meeting on January 28, 2009 in downtown Denver, Colorado.
  • Visit CAPAPA to learn more about getting involved in Data Protection Day in Canada, and to access information about events going on in Canada on or around January 28 in celebration of the Day, and a list of sponsoring organizations.
  • Data Protection Day Event hosted by Sophie in't Veld, MEP, 14.00 - 17.30, European Parliament, Room PH S 4 B001.

    A conference in the European Parliament bringing together privacy advocates, Members of the European Parliament, data protection authorities, teachers, students and the ICT industry to discuss shared responsibilities in protecting privacy of citizens. The event will feature the winning videos of a competition for young adults run by European Schoolnet with the support of Microsoft and will include a presentation of a study, an intervention by the Council of Europe, and a keynote speech by Vice President Barrot. To register, please reply to event@dataprotectionday.eu
  • Together with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and CAPAPA, Dalhousie University (located in Halifax, Nova Scotia), will hold its second annual Privacy Day event on January 27, 2009 from 11:30 to 1 pm in the Potter Auditorium at the Rowe Building. Hosted by John Bullock, Information Security Manager for Dalhousie, and presented by Dwight Fischer, AVP-CIO for Dalhousie’s Information Technology Services, the discussion will address: secure computing best practices for on and off-campus; online services for data handling; and the current and future state of privacy initiatives at the university. Sandy Hounsell, Senior Analyst, Research, Education and Outreach will be speaking on behalf of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
    Contact Krista Olmstead for further information
  • Modeling Social Network Data, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, January 28-29, 2009 (by invitation only)
  • AT&T will be hosting the American School Counselors Association's finalists for Counselor of the Year on Jan. 30, 2009, from 11 am - 2pm, at the Innovation Center at AT&T's offices in Washington, D.C. In honor of Data Privacy Day 2009, the awards event will feature a discussion around the internet and related privacy issues facing young people in schools today. Educational materials and resources regarding data privacy will be provided. (by invitation only)
  • Privacy After Hours is a fun night of networking for the privacy profession. Privacy pros around the world gather on the same night at a designated "after hours" location in their city for a casual evening of socializing. The next Privacy After Hours will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. To find the location in your city or for more information on how to host a Privacy After Hours event in your area, visit the International Association of Privacy Professionals' (IAPP) Web site at www.privacyassociation.org
  • Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, January 28th, in recognition of International Data Privacy Day, "Data Privacy: Why Should You Care?" Professor Steve Markey discussing social networking sites and privacy best practices, Rush Room 014, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. (open to public)
  • Washington, D.C., Dialogue on Diversity, Internet Data Privacy Briefing, January 27, 2009, 12:30 - 2:45 p.m., The Washington Home of Stuart Mott, 122 Maryland Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. For further information, call: 703-631-0650 or e-mail: dialog.div@prodigy.net
  • Skills-focused Privacy Workshop at Stanford. As part of Data Privacy Day 2009, the Stanford Center for Internet and Society presents A Privacy Policy Workshop sponsored by Covington & Burling, LLP, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, 12:50-2:00pm, Room 280B. Ryan Calo, a Consumer Privacy fellow with the Center, and Mali Friedman, with Covington & Burling, will discuss the law and policy obligating companies to post notice of their privacy practices, walk through how to write an effective privacy policy, and discuss the future of online notice. This skills-focused presentation may be particularly helpful to students entering in-house or firm practice around technology. The presentation is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Amanda Smith.
  • Camouflage Software Inc., the Information Access and Privacy Protection Office of Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be hosting the following Data Privacy Day activities at Memorial University of Newfoundland on 28 January 2009: Lunch period: a booth in the Smallwood Centre will provide information on topics such as privacy in social networking and preventing identity theft; and from 3-4 pm, in ER3005B, a talk illustrating the variety of ways personal information is lost or stolen, and what can be done to prevent it. For more details, please contact Dave Morgan, Director of Privacy Research, Camouflage Software Inc.
  • On January 29, 2009, the Privacy Foundation at Denver University Law School will host a lunch seminar entitled "Privacy: Overview & Employment Opportunities" for law students and other interested parties to talk about Data Privacy Day, the privacy profession, and what it's like working on privacy issues at the corporate level. 11:45 am, Room 499, Sturm College of Law.
  • Deter-Detect-Defend, Avoid ID Theft. American Life Insurance Company celebrates Data Privacy Day 2009 by hosting informational sessions on identity theft protection for its employees in its Wilmington, Delaware corporate office. Christina Serra, Assistant Compliance Director, and Jennifer Knaack, Compliance Training Director will lead two, hour long sessions utilizing the FTC's training materials on identity theft protection. Following the informational sessions, each employee will receive additional information by e-mail, including the link to the FTC and Intel's website.
  • The IT, Ethics & Law Colloquium Series presents "Protecting Personal Identities Online," featuring Erika Rottenberg, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of LinkedIn, discussing the opportunities and pitfalls posed by social networking sites and how we can be smart users of the sites. January 28, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., Williman Room, Benson Center, cosponsored by the High Tech Law Institute, the Center for Science, Technology, & Society, and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. (Light lunch will be served.)

Government involvement

Government involvement

This year, federal and state governments in the United States and government officials in Canada and Europe took a role in Data Privacy Day. With leadership from Congressman David Price and Congressman Cliff Stearns, the House of Representatives passed Resolution 31 declaring January 28, 2009 as National Data Privacy Day. Senators Dorgan, Boxer, Feinstein, Specter, Kerry, Leahy, Snowe, and Wicker cosponsored a similar resolution, which the Senate passed on January 28, 2009. Governors in at least seven states declared January 28, 2009 Data Privacy Day. In addition, numerous Attorneys General across the country and Data Protection Authorities in Europe have dedicated resources to educating consumers, teachers, families, and teens about data privacy and safety on the Internet. See some examples below and check with your own Attorney General or Data Protection Authority to see what information he or she has to offer. Canada's Privacy Commissioner and the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario are also taking important steps to increase awareness about data privacy among teens and to further data privacy generally.

View federal, state, and Canadian activities related to data privacy

  Federal  

The United States House of Representatives and Senate passed resolutions declaring January 28, 2009 National Data Privacy Day.

  State participation  

Proclamations

Privacy Offices and Consumer Protection Boards

  • The California Office of Privacy Protection is promoting a message of computer security for Data Privacy Day. "Studies have found that home computers lack basic security protections," said Joanne McNabb, chief of the Office of Privacy Protection. "If your computer is not protected, neither is the information on it." The Office has developed a training presentation, "Secure Your Computer to Protect Your Privacy," which can be used by community organizations and businesses to train individuals on securing their home computers. The presentation will be posted on the Office's web site at www.privacy.ca.gov and is available under educational materials, above.
  • The Chief Privacy Officer of Arizona, Mary Beth Joublanc, will be speaking at "Charting a Roadmap for Privacy Discussions," hosted by the Center for Advancing Business through IT at Arizona State University, on January 28, 2009, from 7 – 9 am in Room 228 of the Memorial Union.
  • The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is announcing its new “Anatomy of a Data Breach: What Your Business Needs to Know” and promoting its Business Privacy Guide and other resources in commemoration of National Data Privacy Day. "With reports of millions of records breached during the past year in New York State alone, we are urging businesses as well as consumers to take steps to protect personal identifiable information," said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. Look for the video and press release, as well as a Proclamation from Governor David A. Paterson, which will be available on Data Privacy Day, January 28, 2009 on the CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov. Resources, including the Business Privacy Guide and other tools for consumers and businesses are currently available at online at http://www.nysconsumer.gov/internet_security.htm.

Attorneys General

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper offers videos for parents and educators about how to help children and students protect themselves and their privacy online.

  Canada  
  Europe  

Useful links and resources

Useful links and resources

Many websites offer information about data privacy directed toward teenagers, educators, or parents and children. Click here for a list of links to resources, websites, and videos you can use to enhance your understanding about data privacy and Internet safety generally. You may also access videos that can be useful in generating classroom discussions about data privacy here.


View links and resources

 Videos 
 Other helpful resources dealing with data privacy issues 
 Resources on topics related to data privacy 

Participating organizations

2009: Intel, International Association of Privacy Professionals, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, the Information Technology Association of America, the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University, the Institute for Homeland Security Solutions, the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security, the European Commission, and the Duke Center for European Studies

 View more 2009 

Center for Democracy and Technology, Quintiles, The Privacy Place at N.C. State, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, DC Strategies, the Carolina Privacy Officials Network, Microsoft, Oracle, European Privacy Officers' Forum, Capital One, Dalhousie University, Santa Clara Law School, TRUSTe, CIPL, Nymity, CAPAPA, Hunton & Williams, AT&T, Dialogue on Diversity, California Office of Privacy Protection, Arizona State University, Ohio State University, Privacy Foundation at Denver University Law School, DeMaree Consulting, Yahoo, Lexis/Nexis, Covington & Burling, LLP, Stanford Center for Internet and Technology, Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Camouflage Software, Inc., United Guaranty Corporation, Waldo & Associates, Washington Health Strategies Group, American Life Insurance Company, Cisco, National Association of State Chief Information Officers, Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A., New York State Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology, Consumer Protection Board, and Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination, HIPAAT, The Authentication and Online Trust Alliance, Deluxe Corporation, Secure Privacy Solutions, Rebecca Herold & Associates, LLC

 View 2008 

Intel, the International Association of Privacy Professionals, Microsoft, Google, Quintiles, Procter & Gamble, Oracle, IBM, the Delegation of the European Commission in Washington, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Duke University Center for European Studies, Duke Law School, TRUSTe, The Privacy Place at N.C. State University, the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, Corporate Privacy Group, Center for Democracy and Technology, Center for Information Policy Leadership, DC Strategies, and the Carolina Privacy Officials Network.

A Retrospective: Data Privacy Day 2009

Data Privacy Day 2009 A Retrospective
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