Data Privacy
Every activity done online leaves a trace, and with this comes concerns that revolve around the arena of data protection known as data privacy. Alternatively referred to as information privacy, an understanding of the ins and outs of data privacy is important because it safeguards personal integrity, promotes trust in digital interactions and upholds the fundamental rights of individuals in an increasingly data-driven world.
Whether its records of an individual’s online activity, a list of frequently visited websites, or data like identification numbers or online shopping histories, these bits of info are collected and, at times, shared without a data-holder’s knowledge by online firms.
As such it is increasingly important for people to properly handle and protect personal information online – which is the subject that’s largely covered in “Data Privacy Week”.
Data Privacy Week
Since 2022, “Data Privacy Week” has globally been observed every January 24 to 28 as a week-long event that pushes for awareness on the importance of data privacy.
The event is essentially an expansion of a “Data Privacy Day” that was created in April of 2006, which was expanded in 2022 as a way to better address the need to inform and educate people about online privacy, how to identify if whether or not their personal information is being abused and to know of the many measures that can be taken to prevent privacy breaches.
The date (January 24) was chosen to commemorate the signing of the treaty titled “The Convention for the Protection of Individuals with Regard to Processing of Personal Data” in 1981 by the Council of Europe. The treaty is widely regarded as the first international treaty that covered data privacy and its protections.
In 1985, the treaty was updated and revised to add concerns pertaining to artificial intelligence and its implications, which nods to how future-forward the vision of its proponents were.
The Philippines’ Data Privacy Act of 2012
On August 15, 2012, president Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10173 into law, AKA the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The legislation largely serves as the government’s way of ensuring that personal data is protected by the law, and it outlines the provisions, penalties, government responsibilities, and what the rights and responsibilities of those who handle and own data are. The implementation of the law’s stipulations is largely handled by the National Privacy Commission.
The Data Privacy Act of 2012 defines “personal data” as personal information, sensitive personal information, and privileged information. These are information that can reasonably identify a particular person – IE serve as a data subject’s personal digital imprint.
The legislation defines “data subjects” as individuals whose personal data is processed by firms and/or agencies, and largely acknowledges that the responsibility of safeguarding personal data mainly lies with the data holder.
Data subjects are, however, afforded with certain protections against conditions that may arise from data breaches, which includes the likes of identity theft and other forms of cybertheft.