Concord Privacy News: 1/23/23

Concord Commits to Data Privacy Week, Serves as an Official Champion

Concord has committed to Data Privacy Week 2023 by registering as a Champion — an organization that recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal information.

Data Privacy Week is an annual expanded effort from Data Privacy Day — taking place from January 22–28, 2023. The goal of Data Privacy Week is to spread awareness about online privacy among individuals and organizations. The goal is twofold: to help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data and to help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users' data.

“As a company that specializes in data and how it is used and protected, we are pleased to serve as an official Champion for this year’s Data Privacy Week,” said Concord CEO Dashiell Lavine. “We are committed to helping organizations adapt privacy-first data solutions that give people direct ownership over their personal data. As part of Data Privacy Week, we will be sharing tips that will help consumers manage their data privacy.”

The National Cybersecurity Alliance has offered up the following themes to help guide individuals and businesses to better data privacy practices:

For Businesses: Respect Privacy

Respecting the privacy of your customers, staff, and all other stakeholders is critical for inspiring trust and enhancing reputation. According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of U.S. adults report being concerned about the way their data is being used by companies. By being open about how you use data and respecting privacy, you can stand out from your competition.

Be transparent about how you collect, use, and share consumers’ personal information. Think about how the consumer may expect their data to be used. Design settings to protect their information by default. Communicate clearly and concisely to the public what privacy means to your organization, as well as the steps you take to achieve and maintain privacy.

Data: The Story of You

All your online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps, and services collect data on your behaviors, interests, and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, like your Social Security and driver's license numbers. It can even include data about your physical self, like health data – think about how a smartwatch counts and records how many steps you take.

While it's true that you cannot control how each byte of data about you and your family is shared and processed, you are not helpless! In many cases, you can control how you share your data with a few simple steps. Remember, your data is precious, and you deserve to be selective about who you share it with!

For more information about Data Privacy Week and how to get involved, visit https://staysafeonline.org/programs/data-privacy-week/.

Other Privacy News of Note

TikTok vs. Europe: Could EU Data Privacy Law Slay the "Data Dragon"?

The social media platform TikTok has been in American lawmakers' crosshairs for months, and the sentiment is spreading across the Atlantic. European legislators are voicing increasing concern about the Chinese-owned app's data policies and its influence on young people, and Europe's regulators may have more potent legal weapons at their disposal to challenge the company. Read more.

WhatsApp Hit with €5.5 Million Fine for Violating Data Protection Laws

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) on Thursday imposed fresh fines of €5.5 million against Meta's WhatsApp for violating data protection laws when processing users' personal information. At the heart of the ruling is an update to the messaging platform's Terms of Service that was enforced in the days leading to the enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018, requiring that users agree to the revised terms in order to continue using the service or risk losing access. Read more.

Australia to Consider European-Style Right to be Forgotten Privacy Laws

The right to be forgotten and a right to sue for privacy breaches will be considered for the next tranche of Australian legislation, the attorney general has said. Mark Dreyfus made the comments on Monday, promising to consider European-style privacy reforms after his bill increasing penalties for companies that fail to protect customer data passed in 2022. Read more.