In Europe, January 28th is Data Protection Day. This day of celebration of our data protection rights has spread around the world. Outside Europe, the day has become known as Privacy Day. But is there a difference between Data Protection and Data Privacy? Priviness CEO Sandy Gilchrist explains the distinction:

“When I post a picture of a celebrity in a restaurant where I work, on social media, the celebrity can claim a breach of privacy (see the Italian case where the wife posted honeymoon pictures on social media and the husband successfully claimed a breach of privacy – probably no longer married, we suspect). They can claim against me and / or my employer.

Data protection also gives the celeb rights, such as the right to request their image be removed (the right of erasure). They can request this right from me, my employer and / or the provider of the social media platform. Failure to engage with the celeb could lead to a claim for a breach of data protection.

Don’t conflate privacy and data protection. We at priviness are recognising Data Protection Day as the start of “priviweek” because privacy and data protection should be recognised and dealt with every day, not just today.”

We offer training tailored to meet the international data law compliance needs of your organisation and we can act as your agent within the EU. For more information about data protection law compliance, call us on 0203 2878 243 or email info@priviness.eu.

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