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Data Protection Day 2026

The Data Protection Day, took place on 28 January. Organised on the initiative of the Council of Europe , this day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our privacy. Its aim is to raise awareness among the public and organisations (public institutions, businesses, etc.) about the protection of personal data and privacy.

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What is personal data?

It is any information that can be used to identify a person directly or indirectly. 

For example: name, address e-mail ... but also your phone's location data, data from all your connected devices, health data, etc.

  1. Why is personal data protection important?
  • Respect for privacy;
  • Prevention of identity theft;
  • Security of sensitive information;
  • Trust between users, businesses and institutions;
  • Compliance with laws and regulations.

 

  1. What are the risks associated with poor data protection?
  • Hacking;
  • Data leaks;
  • Identity theft;
  • Financial fraud;
  • Reputational damage.

 

  1. How should organisations (public institutions, companies, etc.) process your personal data to avoid these risks?


    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)[1] is the European legal framework that governs how organisations process our personal data. This legal framework includes key principles such as:

  • Protection of citizens' rights regarding the use of their personal data;
  • Ensuring data security and the security of data storage locations;
  • Transparency towards citizens.

These principles must be implemented within organisations. 

 

  1. How can YOU protect your personal data?
  • Enable two-factor authentication;
  • Ensure that you limit the sharing of your personal information as much as possible;
  • Be careful what you post on social media;
  • Be vigilant when clicking on links;
  • Update Windows and software regularly;
  • Check the privacy settings of your software and social media accounts. 

 

The objectives of Data Protection Day:

  • Raise awareness about protecting your personal data:
  • Encourage good digital practices;
  • Promoting a culture of personal data protection;
  • Empower organisations. 

Within your organisation, the Data Protection Officer (DPO) is responsible for ensuring that the organisation complies with the GDPR. Their role is to inform and advise management and teams on their obligations, monitor compliance with the regulation and internal rules, and support projects involving data processing, in particular by participating in or advising on impact assessments (AIPD). They also raise awareness and train staff, ensure that requests to exercise rights are handled correctly, and act as the main point of contact with the supervisory authority and data subjects. Independent in the performance of their duties, they help to establish sustainable governance of personal data and anticipate the risks associated with its processing.

Paradigm has a team of DPO consultants who can be made available to organisations for a few hours or days a week for those who cannot afford to hire a full-time employee. To find out more about this service, please contact your Account Manager. 

[1] External linkRegulation - 2016/679 - EN - GDPR - EUR-Lex

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