Each year, Data Privacy Week offers an opportunity for companies and professionals to revisit the fundamentals of data privacy. This year, we are celebrating Data Privacy Week, which runs through January 31, by releasing a three-part series to review where we are and where we are going. 

Today’s article will provide a look back at Data Privacy Week and highlight three core tenets of U.S. data privacy laws. Our second article in this series will highlight the current state of play and updates to state privacy laws. Finally, we will end the week and our three-part series with a focus on the future of privacy law, including federal regulatory developments and the potential for comprehensive legislation.  

Together, these articles aim to provide actionable insights and forward-looking perspectives for those tasked with preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2025. 

A Brief History of Data Privacy Week 

On January 28, 1981, the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (Convention 108) was signed by the Council of Europe, making it the first international treaty on privacy and data protection. January 28 was initially celebrated as Data Protection Day, but the observance has expanded into a weeklong event, and a global effort to underscore the importance of privacy in our increasingly interconnected world. Convention 108 significantly influenced the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation outlining the core principles of fair, lawful, and transparent processing, data subject rights, and the groundwork for international data transfers.  

Foundations of Data Privacy Laws 

Data privacy laws vary widely across jurisdictions in the requirements imposed on businesses, however there are common core tenants. Specifically in the United States, while a federal comprehensive data privacy law remains elusive, 19 states have enacted privacy laws that carry common threads aimed at protecting the personal information of state residents. The three core tenants for data privacy laws are: 

• Data Minimization: Companies must limit the collection, use, and storage of personal data to what is necessary for a specific, disclosed purpose. This involves both restricting data collection to only what is essential for the intended purpose and implementing robust processes for deleting outdated or irrelevant information. For instance, companies might design systems that prompt automatic deletion of unused data or employ anonymization techniques to further reduce privacy risks. By adopting these practices, companies can work towards meeting their legal obligations while enhancing operational efficiency by reducing data storage costs and the legal risks associated with the retention of stale data. 
   
• Safeguarding Data: Protecting data from unauthorized access, breaches, and misuse is a cornerstone of privacy compliance. This requires companies to implement a multi-layered security strategy, including encryption, regular vulnerability assessments, and employee training on data protection protocols. Laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA) require companies to employ reasonable security practices, which could include appointing a person responsible for overseeing data processing activities and adhering to a written incident response plan to ensure rapid containment of breaches. By investing in these safeguards, companies can demonstrate their commitment to security and maintain consumer confidence. 
   
• Building and Maintaining Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of consumer relationships, directly influencing decisions and long-term loyalty. To cultivate trust, companies must demonstrate a steadfast commitment to transparency, fairness, and the protection of consumer privacy. Companies demonstrate their privacy practices through clear and accessible privacy notices, implementing tools that empower consumers to exercise their data rights, and maintaining open communication about data usage. For example, companies can enhance consumer confidence by offering intuitive controls for managing privacy preferences or issuing updates about data processing practices. According to the International Association of Privacy Professional’s Privacy and Consumer Trust Report, companies that provide clear information about their privacy policies enhances the trust of nearly two-thirds of consumer surveys. 

Together, these three tenets — data minimization, safeguarding data, and building consumer trust — form the backbone of modern privacy practices. By embracing these principles, companies can not only demonstrate compliance with legal requirements but also foster stronger consumer relationships and ensure long-term success in an increasingly privacy-conscious world. 

Be on the lookout for the next Data Privacy Week installment this week, with a focus on the current privacy landscape. 

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