International Data Protection Day (Data Privacy Day)
Aug 1, 2026·1 views
An international day raising awareness about the importance of personal data protection and digital privacy in an age of ever-growing online information sharing.
Date28 January
TopicScience & Technology
Established2006
Ways to observe this day
Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts and apps
Enable two-factor authentication on your important accounts
Learn about your digital rights under your country's data protection laws
Talk with your family about the importance of not sharing personal information carelessly
In 2006, the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers designated January 28 as European Data Protection Day, and the observance quickly grew into a global event also known as Data Privacy Day. The date marks the anniversary of the 1981 opening for signature of Council of Europe Convention 108, the world's first legally binding international treaty on personal data protection, which remains a foundational reference for privacy legislation around the world today.
The day carries growing relevance as individuals and organizations rely ever more heavily on digital services, from social media to online shopping and banking, making the protection of personal data, such as financial, health, and location information, central to shielding people from fraud, unlawful tracking, and the misuse of their information without consent. The day aims to raise public awareness of digital rights while reminding businesses and institutions of their legal and ethical responsibilities toward the data of their users and customers.
Data protection authorities, technology companies, and educational institutions mark the day with awareness seminars, practical guides for securing digital accounts, and campaigns encouraging users to review the privacy settings on their favorite apps and websites.