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Why Data Privacy Day matters?

Data Privacy Day serves as a crucial annual touchpoint, reminding stakeholders—ranging from policymakers and business leaders to individual consumers—of the need to safeguard personal data and uphold privacy rights.

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Punam Singh
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On 28th January the world observes Data Privacy Day every year. The day serves as a global call to action against cybercrime. Data privacy is all about the ethical handling and protection of one's personal information. This is a combined responsibility of individuals, businesses, and governments to create a safe and sound digital environment.

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Data Privacy Day commenced after the signing of Convention 108. It was the first legally binding international treaty on data protection. In today’s hyper-connected world, where we call data the “new oil” fuelling the digital economy, has deeply invaded our everyday routine. In our everyday lives from online shopping, and social media activities to digital transactions and healthcare records, everything is woven like a web of personal information floating on the internet.

Now, to protect this personal information there’s a need to adhere to some key principles such as user consent, security measures, transparency, and data minimization, all essential for safeguarding individuals’ privacy rights.

Sharing insights on cyber threats and proactive security on Data Privacy Day, Darshil Shah, Founder and Director of TreadBinary, highlights the escalating cyber threats and the importance of a holistic approach, “On Data Privacy Day, we recognize that safeguarding data is not merely a compliance checkbox but a foundational ethos in our digital-first world. As the digital economy grows, so do cyber threats like data breaches, identity theft, ransomware targeting critical infrastructure, and financial fraud. These challenges underscore the need for a proactive and dynamic approach to ensuring data privacy.

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Adopting cutting-edge AI and ML technologies plays a pivotal role in this effort. These tools enable real-time monitoring, rapid threat detection, and agile responses within our increasingly complex digital ecosystems. However, technology alone isn't enough; fostering a cybersecurity-aware culture is equally critical. This means allocating substantial resources to advanced security measures and driving public awareness through campaigns on social media, educational initiatives, public service announcements, and local workshops.

Educating individuals about the importance of regular data backups, encrypted storage, and the implementation of robust safeguards—like multi-factor authentication, access controls, regular updates, and device encryption—creates an additional layer of defense against potential threats. Proactivity must guide our actions, enabling us to identify and address vulnerabilities before they escalate into serious risks. By prioritizing a secure and resilient digital landscape, we honor the trust and integrity that underpin our digital endeavors.”

Shah’s perspective draws attention to the interplay between technological advancement and human awareness, both essential in erecting stronger defenses against the wide array of cyber risks.

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Further, putting theory into action, Siddharth Sharma, Head of IT Operations at Digi Yatra Foundation, outlines how Digi Yatra maintains user trust through strong privacy protocols, “With the rise in data leaks and cyberattacks, consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about the information they share with businesses, products, and services. By retaining control over their personal data, individuals can reduce the risk of identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. Hence, safeguarding user data has become a paramount responsibility for businesses. Moreover, respecting data privacy is not just a legal obligation but an ethical one. Organisations must secure proper consent for data collection, usage, and sharing. By adhering to these ethical practices, businesses demonstrate their commitment to respecting individuals' rights and fostering transparency.

At Digi Yatra, we prioritise privacy by design. The platform uses biometric technology to streamline airport check-ins while respecting privacy by deleting facial scans within 24 hours. Our conscious decision to not store passenger data ensures the highest standard of privacy for our users. Through our decentralised identity system, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is stored securely on users' devices, ensuring they retain full control over their data. Additionally, we employ blockchain technology to guarantee data integrity and transparency. We also encourage our users to stay informed about their data rights and help raise awareness on the importance of protecting them.”

As India and the global communities continue to extend their digital footprints, integrating responsible and ethical data governance practices will be the linchpin to foster trust and ensure advanced innovations in the digital realm.

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