What is Data Privacy Day?
Data Privacy Day is an internationally recognized day dedicated to creating awareness about the importance of privacy and protecting personal information. The celebration of Data Privacy Day underlines the importance of protecting personal information.
It all began on January 28, 1981 when the Council of Europe Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection, became open for signature. Since that time, data privacy advocates and participants around the world celebrate Data Privacy Day each year on January 28th.
In Canada, Data Privacy Day extends to a week of celebrations, known as Data Privacy Week. Each year, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) for Newfoundland and Labrador joins other provinces and territories across Canada, as well as other countries around the world, in celebrating Data Privacy Week and we hope you will too!
Celebrating Data Privacy Week – 2026
Data Privacy Week is taking place this year from January 26 to 30, 2026. To mark the occasion, we are highlighting two exciting events and sharing new resources designed to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians better understand and safeguard their privacy!
Data Privacy Day Events
You are invited to register and attend the following sessions taking place this year on Data Privacy Day:
Event 1: Trustworthy AI in Health – The Promise, Perils, and Protections (Virtual)
Hosted by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, this event explores how artificial intelligence is transforming health care—and the privacy challenges that come with it.
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time (NL Virtual): 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Clinicians, patient advocates, and legal experts will discuss:
- The promise of AI in improving care and system performance
- The perils when AI fails or introduces new risks
- The protections needed to ensure AI earns and maintains trust
Register here: https://www.ipc.on.ca/en/media-centre/events/ipc-privacy-day-event-trustworthy-ai-health-promise-perils-and-protections
Event 2: Beyond the Chaos: Practical Application of AI Governance (In-Person)
This special joint meeting of International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) KnowledgeNet Chapters from Edmonton, Waterloo, Regina, St. John’s, Toronto, Montreal, Victoria, Ottawa, and Vancouver, will explore the complexities of implementing AI governance.
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time (NL): 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Open to IAPP Members only; Session itself is free but requires participants to obtain a username and password to sign up.
Details: The panel of experts will share insights into the challenges, best practices, and practical approaches to help move forward with implementing an effective AI governance program.
Register: Search for the St. John’s, Newfoundland KnowledgeNet: 28 Jan. 2026Â on the KnowledgeNet Meetings Webpage and click Register Now.
New OIPC Youth Privacy Resources Webpage
We are excited to announce the launch of our Youth Privacy Resources! Our webpage is a resource hub, housing materials designed to help young people understand and protect their personal information. These resources aim to foster privacy awareness and empower youth to make informed choices.
Explore the resources here: https://www.oipc.nl.ca/resources/youth-privacy-resources/
Some Resources are also available in French here: https://www.oipc.nl.ca/renseignements-en-francais/
New OIPC Privacy Principles Poster
OIPC has also created and distributed a Privacy Principles Poster to public bodies across Newfoundland and Labrador; it is also available for download from our website. This poster outlines the 10 Canadian Standards Association (CSA) principles, which form the foundation of privacy laws.
View the poster here: https://www.oipc.nl.ca/files/PrivacyPrinciples.pdf
Other Data Privacy Week Resources
Visit the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s website for more information on Data Privacy Week.
When is the next Data Privacy Week?
Mark your calendars! The next Data Privacy Week is taking place from January 25 to 31, 2027. Be sure to visit this website closer to that time to see our new materials and events. We hope you join in the celebrations with us!