Posted Monday, January 26, 2009 5:14 PM by Microsoft Privacy Team

On Wednesday, Microsoft will join in celebrating Data Privacy Day/ Data Protection Day with a series of global events.  In 2007, the  Council of Europe established January 28 as "Data Protection Day," to increase awareness of privacy and data protection issues among consumers, organizations and government.   Last year  the United States and Canada joined Europe to celebrate "Data Privacy Day." This year, Microsoft and other members of industry are sponsoring a number of events for Data Privacy Day.

Today, people are sharing more information about themselves online as they participate in the many resources available on the Internet  such as social networks, health services, online banking and photo-sharing sites. The Internet provides a convenient destination for learning, commerce and social interactions that once could only be done in person. But as the Internet has become more integral to people's daily lives, it also has become a magnet for crime and many people now feel that security and privacy risks on the Internet are at unacceptable levels. To build trust and enable the Internet to flourish, it is essential that people are educated about the risks and rewards of online engagement, ultimately empowering them to make informed decisions and protect themselves online.

United States event. In the U.S., Microsoft will host a signature event, titled "My Privacy: Safely Navigating Life Online," at the San Francisco Public Library.  The event will feature a panel discussion among industry experts, consumer advocates, and policymakers and will include a video documentary showing how three generations of people approach online privacy issues. Light refreshments will be served. Panelists include:

• - Peter Cullen, Chief Privacy Strategist, Microsoft
• - Hemanshu Nigam, Chief Security Officer, Myspace
• - Jim Dempsey, Vice President for Public Policy, Center for Democracy and Technology
• - Joanne McNabb, Chief, California Office of Privacy Protection
• - Brittany Bacon, Law Student, Advisor for Teenangels

It's not too late to register if you want to join us for this event.  Alternatively, you can sign up at the library between 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. (Note: the reception starts at 4:30p.m. and the program begins at 5:30p.m. )

Brussels Event.  Brussels, Belgium will be the location of Data Protection Day celebration sponsored by Microsoft and European Schoolnet.  The event will feature privacy officials, as well as a "Surf the net - think Privacy" video competition by young people.

-- Brendon Lynch