Data Privacy Week

From January 26–30, take charge of your digital footprint. Whether you’re updating privacy settings, learning to spot phishing scams, or spreading awareness, every step you take helps create a safer online world.

Because your data is your right.

About Data Privacy Week

Your data is valuable, and you have the power to protect it. Join us for Data Privacy Week, an annual event designed to educate people about the importance of online privacy. It began in the United States as Data Privacy Day in 2008, inspired by Europe’s Data Protection Day, which commemorates the January 28, 1981, signing of Convention 108, the first international treaty focused on data protection.

This week-long initiative encourages individuals to take charge of their personal data. We think data privacy should be a priority both for individuals and organizations. Our goal is to empower people to better manage their data and to encourage organizations to treat their users’ data with respect.

Apps & Software Tipsheet  Respect Privacy Tipsheet  Your Data Privacy Tipsheet

3 Steps to Take Control of Your Data

Every time you use a website, app, or device, your online activity generates data. This data may include your location, browsing habits, purchases, or even health information. While you can’t control every aspect of how your data is collected, you can take steps to manage how it’s shared and used.

Your online activity creates a treasure trove of data. This data ranges from your interests and purchases to your online behaviors, and it is collected by websites, apps, devices, services, and companies all around the globe. This data can even include information about your physical self like health data – think about how an app on your phone might count how many steps you take.

You cannot control how each little piece of data about you and your family is collected. However, you still have a right to data privacy. You can help manage your data with a few repeatable behaviors. Your data is valuable, and you deserve to have a say!

Here are some simple, easy tips you that will help you manage your data privacy:

1. Understand the Privacy Tradeoff 

When apps or services request data, ask yourself:

• Is this data truly necessary for the app or service to function?
• Is the convenience worth the information you’re sharing?
• Can you limit or control what data you provide?

2. Adjust your Privacy Settings 

• Limit unnecessary permissions (e.g., location, microphone, or camera access).
• Set apps to access data only “while using” instead of “always.”
• Regularly review your settings to ensure they align with your comfort level.

3. Protect your data

Data privacy and security go hand-in-hand. Practice these key habits:

• Use strong passwords: Create unique, long (16+ characters) passwords for each account and store them securely using a password manager.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
• Keep your software updated: Install updates promptly to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Be cautious of phishing scams: Double-check links or messages before clicking.

Quick Facts About Data Privacy

• 75% of the global population will be covered by modern privacy regulations by the end of 2024 (Statista).
• 73% of U.S. consumers are more concerned about their data privacy now than a few years ago (SAS).
• 38% of U.S. consumers use social media less often due to privacy concerns (SAS).
• 67% of Americans have little to no understanding of how companies use their data (Pew Research Center).
• 65% of people are concerned about AI-related cybercrime (Oh Behave!).