Data Privacy Week serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in the digital age.
Happy #DataProtectionDay from the EDPB and all Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Europe! 🌍 🎉 #DataProtection and #GDPR know no borders.
Your DPA helps you keep your personal data safe in your country and around the world. #DPD2025 pic.twitter.com/fZO4O7xJTH— EDPB (@EU_EDPB) January 28, 2025
With the increasing collection and use of personal data, it has become crucial for individuals to take control of their digital lives. Dr.
In celebration of #DataPrivacyDay2025 , we met with students from @USPCEU to present the work of the EDPB and discuss the importance of data protection. We also shared how the communication team raises awareness and ensures information reaches EU citizens. #DPD2025 pic.twitter.com/iZboWG7GFY
— EDPB (@EU_EDPB) January 28, 2025
Valerie Lyons, COO at BH Consulting, points out that websites and applications collect not only the data that users voluntarily provide but also information such as location, browsing history, and the devices used to access these systems. They may even infer personal data like relationships or sexuality. This extensive data collection can make taking control of one’s data seem like an “insurmountable” task, according to Alexander Linton, President at Session Technology Foundation.
One of the challenges in controlling personal data is the lack of transparency in privacy and ‘opt-out’ policies.
Time to wrap up CPDP – Data Protection Day!
Today we started the day by reflecting on the past, the present and the future of #dataprotection. We discussed milestones initiatives and shared opinions on the implementation of new regulations @W_Wiewiorowski pic.twitter.com/3Paumc7OCJ— EDPS (@EU_EDPS) January 28, 2025
Professor Oli Buckley, a Professor in Cyber Security at Loughborough University, notes that there are misconceptions about how consumer data is used. Even after deleting an account or app, data can still be held by organizations based on their data retention policies.
To take control of personal data, experts recommend limiting the data shared with online services. Dr.
As we wrap up the day full of insights, discussions and thought-provoking debates, do not miss the closing remarks of @W_Wiewiorowski, the European Data Protection Supervisor.
👉 Watch the live streaming here: https://t.co/xmLaKCbAcx
#DataProtectionDay #DPD2025 pic.twitter.com/RJraxizXMW— EDPS (@EU_EDPS) January 28, 2025
Micah Altman, Social and Information Scientist at MIT, advises putting the least trust in free services and the most trust in organizations with a direct fiduciary duty to the user.
Data control in the digital age
Consumer-friendly apps should only ask for necessary information and not hold it longer than needed. Knowing one’s data privacy rights is also crucial. Laws like the EU’s GDPR and the UK’s Data Protection Act allow individuals to access, correct, or delete their data.
In the US, however, comprehensive federal privacy laws are still lacking, placing a greater burden on consumers to be mindful of their data-sharing practices. Leveraging security and privacy tools can help protect personal data. Altman recommends using encryption-based tools like secure browsers or privacy-first search engines.
Linton suggests adopting good security and privacy habits, such as using password managers and choosing messaging apps emphasizing data protection. While consumers must be empowered to take control of their data, the burden should not fall solely on them. Companies and governments are ethically obligated to integrate privacy-enhancing technologies into their systems.
Regulation that reflects the realities of today’s data economy is also necessary. By taking proactive steps to understand and control personal data, individuals can reclaim their digital sovereignty and contribute to building a more privacy-respectful online world. Data Privacy Week serves as a reminder of the importance of this ongoing effort.
