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
From January 26–30, 2026, our Office celebrated Data Privacy Week by highlighting and taking part in national conversations on artificial intelligence, launching new educational tools, and promoting resources to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians understand and protect their personal information.
On Data Privacy Day, we took part in two major privacy and AI‑focused events: Beyond the Chaos: Practical Application of AI Governance, a special joint meeting of International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) KnowledgeNet hosted by chapters across the country; and Trustworthy AI in Health -The Promise, Perils, and Protections, an event hosted by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario exploring an expert panel’s insights on how AI is shaping the future of health care.
We promoted our exciting new Youth Privacy Resources webpage! This hub provides young people with accessible information, tools, and guidance to help them understand privacy rights, manage their personal information, and make informed online choices. Some materials are also available in French.
We released our new Privacy Principles Poster online, summarizing the 10 Canadian Standards Association (CSA) principles that form the foundation of privacy legislation. The poster was distributed to public bodies across Newfoundland and Labrador and is now available for download!
For additional educational resources and national initiatives, visit the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s website.
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!