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Data Protection Day - Data Privacy Day 2022

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:10:41 GMT

Friday 28 January 2022 marks Data Protection Day Data Protection Day, a.k.a Data Privacy Day. This annual event aims to raise awareness of data protection and information rights and encourage good data privacy practice by organisations. The aims of Data Protection Day align with those of the Common Thread Network’s own mission to promote good privacy practices and build trust in the handling of personal data, so as well as marking the day together, our members are undertaking their own activities and events.

Members of the Common Thread Network are carrying out various activities to mark the day. Full details of what is happening can be found on the Data Protection Day - Data Privacy Day 2022 page .

Data Protection Day 2019

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 11:24:48 GMT

Monday 28 January 2019 marked the thirteenth Data Protection Day, a.k.a Data Privacy Day. This annual event aims to raise awareness of data protection and information rights and encourage good data privacy practice by organisations.

The aims of Data Protection Day fit well with the Common Thread Network’s own mission to promote good privacy practices and build trust in the handling of personal data, so as well as marking the day together, our members are undertaking their own activities and events.

For example:

The Office of the Data Protection Authority in Guernsey marked the day with a sold-out event for professionals in the field, as well as outlining why all islanders should care about data protection .
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada focused on the importance of people protecting, understanding and exercising privacy rights.
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office celebrated the success of innovative data protection projects funded by the ICO.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario held an event last week to help people understand some of the potential privacy challenges of technology-driven smart cities.
The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority as the Information Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) has released a short video on the topic of privacy and data protection.

Keep up to date with the CTN’s Data Protection Day activities by following us on social media.

The CTN welcomes the Information Commissioner of Jersey and Office of the Data Protection Commissioner of Guernsey

Wed, 09 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As both jurisdictions are preparing for the adoption of new data protection legislation to bring them in line with the new European Regulation and Directive coming into effect in May 2018, they mutually decided to call it a day on their very fruitful collaboration under the joint ‘Data Protection Offices’. Each office will now be appointing, or has appointed, its own Commissioner, as well as a Board.

The Common Thread Network says goodbye to the Data Protection Offices of the Channel Islands and officially welcomes the Office of the Information Commissioner of Jersey and Office of the Data Protection Commissioner of Guernsey !

CTN hosts event on privacy, trust and the digital economy in the Commonwealth

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

London, 19 April 2018 – Co-chairs Patricia Poku (Ghana Data Protection Commissioner) and Elizabeth Denham (UK Information Commissioner) welcomed participants to the first Common Thread Network (CTN) event on “Privacy, trust and the digital economy in the Commonwealth”.

The Central London event attracted many CTN members and Government and intergovernmental officials including representatives from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, alongside members of the private sector and civil society.

Alongside introductions from Ms Poku and Ms Denham, participants were fortunate to hear from Simon McDougall, Managing Director, Promontory, and Steven Malby, Head of the Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform, Commonwealth Secretariat.

The event also coincided with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and served as a powerful reminder to Commonwealth Governments of the need to consider rapid adoption of strong data protection laws to drive public trust and growth in the digital economy.

The CTN has presented a statement to Commonwealth Heads of Government , calling on them to respect and promote individuals’ right to privacy in the digital age. It also urges them to ensure that legal frameworks for privacy and data protection include adequately-resourced independent oversight mechanisms.

The CTN also takes positive note of the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration adopted by Heads of Government of the Commonwealth. The Declaration recognises the importance of “strengthening data protection and security frameworks, in order to promote public trust in the internet, confidence for trade and commerce, and the free flow of data”. It also commits Governments to “work towards the development and convergence of approaches for internet-connected devices and associated services, in order to promote user security by default” as well as “common standards, harmonised legal approaches and improved interoperability, including through the use of Commonwealth model laws; and commit to considering the potential for further Commonwealth cooperation in this regard, including the possible coordination of common positions in international fora”.

It was confirmed at the event that another meeting of Common Thread Network members would be organised later in 2018.

Data Protection Day 2018

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday 28 January 2018 marks the twelfth Data Protection Day, a.k.a Data Privacy Day. This annual event aims to raise awareness of data protection and information rights and encourage good data privacy practice by organisations.

The aims of Data Protection Day fit well with the Common Thread Network’s own mission to promote good privacy practices and build trust in the handling of personal data, so as well as marking the day together, our members are undertaking their own activities and events. For example:

the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has published its draft Position on Online Reputation ;
the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nova Scotia is publishing a report into the privacy-readiness of business and organisations in the region;
the Data Protection Commissioner for Gibraltar is hosting a Data Protection Day event in the city centre, handing out promotional materials and inviting people to complete a privacy questionnaire; and
the Information and Data Protection Commissioner of Malta is addressing a seminar organised by the Government of Malta for Heads of Department, Data Protection Officers and Directors within the Civil Service, as well as delivering a presentation at a GDPR Information Session.

Keep up to date with the CTN’s Data Protection Day activities by following us on social media.

The CTN welcomes the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Common Thread Network is pleased to welcome the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario as a new member of the Network.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario was established in 1988 under the terms of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and, as such, has a long experience in reviewing government decisions and practices concerning access and privacy as well as decisions and practices of health care providers as they relate to personal health information. It also regularly conducts research and delivers education on access and privacy matters.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario becomes the 17th member of the CTN.

3rd Annual General Meeting of the Common Thread Network

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The CTN met on 25 September 2017, in the margins of 39th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners in Hong Kong, for its Annual General Meeting.

At the meeting, the CTN members appointed a new co-chair for the Network , and discussed CTN recent activities, which included the adoption of the Activity Report for 2016-2017 , and the proposed programme of work for 2017-2018.

Common Thread Network announces Ghana’s Patricia Poku as new co-chair

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Common Thread Network (CTN) is pleased to announce that Patricia Poku was appointed as new co-chair at the CTN Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 September 2017.

Patricia is the new Executive Director, and a Member of the Board, of the Data Protection Commission of Ghana. She has good experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Before taking on her role at the Commission, she acted as Head of Data Protection at the London 2012 Olympic Games and more recently as Global Director for Data Protection & Privacy at World Vision International. Patricia holds a Master of Business Administration and a BSc (Hons) degree in Computing Science. She is also a Certified Information Privacy Manager and a Certified Practitioner in European Union General Data Protection Regulation.

She said:

“I am delighted to be have been elected by the AGM to co-lead the Common Thread Network with existing Co-chair Elizabeth Denham from the ICO.

“The practical discussions at the Common Thread Network AGM show that the network is serious about delivering for its members and it will be an honour to serve the interest of the growing membership of the Network over the next three years.”

Patricia succeeds Privacy Commissioner of Canada Daniel Therrien as co-chair, and begins in her new role alongside UK Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham immediately.

Ms Denham said:

“I am sure you will join me in welcoming our new co-chair and wishing her every success in shaping the CTN’s future.

“Daniel and his staff at the OPC will continue to be involved in the development of the network and I want to thank them for their outstanding contribution over the past three years.”

A note from the Cayman Islands

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Earlier in 2017, the Cayman Islands passed their first Data Protection bill. In this five minute film, Acting Information Commissioner, Jan Liebaers from the Information Commissioner’s Office Cayman Islands discusses why the bill is important, what it will mean for privacy, data protection and freedom of information in the country and what the Information Commissioner’s Office will be working on in the future.

The CTN welcomes South Africa

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Common Thread Network is happy to welcome the South African Information Regulator to its growing list of members.

The Information Regulator was established in December 2016 under the terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 (PPI Act). It aims to promote the protection of personal information processed by public and private bodies in South Africa. The Regulator is chaired by Adv. Pansy Tlakula and has four ordinary members

South Africa becomes the 16th member of the CTN. This is more than could be hoped for less than three years after the network was launched.

This news comes only a few months after the Cayman Islands, one of the networks observers, passed their first Data Protection bill.

The Common Thread Network exists to improve data protection and privacy rights for citizens across the commonwealth. The membership of this influential data protection agency and the implementation of a new law by another are great signs our aims are being achieved.

ICO’s Steve Wood speaks at the CTO Cybersecurity Forum

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Several CTN members are attending the annual Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation’s (CTO) Cybersecurity Forum in London this week (22-24 March).

Today, Steve Wood, Head of International Strategy and Intelligence at the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is participating in a panel of distinguished speakers to discuss current data protection and privacy issues. Along with introducing ICO’s forthcoming information rights strategy and international strategy, he will emphasise to an audience of Regulatory agencies, national agencies, civil society professionals and members of the industry from across the Commonwealth, the strategic importance of the CTN in developing strong standards and building capacity on privacy issues among Commonwealth countries.

Data Privacy Day across the Common Thread Network

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

On Saturday 28 January, data protection and privacy authorities from across the globe will be celebrating Data Privacy Day, or Data Protection Day if you are based in Europe. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of people’s data protection and privacy rights; both with individuals themselves and with organisations and businesses that handle personal information.

One of the key objectives of the Common Thread Network (CTN), which groups Data Protection Authorities from more than 20 Commonwealth states and territories, is to continuously raise awareness among organisations about the importance and their responsibility in taking care of people’s information and to enable individuals to exercise their data protection and privacy rights more effectively. As such, members will be supporting Data Privacy Day with their own activities and events on Saturday and throughout this week:

Tuesday 24 January 2017

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority issued a press release about Data Protection Day and their activities.

Wednesday 25 January 2017

A short film of Commissioner Watts of Office of the Commissioner for Privacy and Data Protection (CPDP) in Victoria, Australia was released introducing new guidelines and celebrating Data Protection Day. The new guidelines have been produced by the CPDP to help organisations understand what it means to have reasonable security to protect personal information.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner released a statement on their website encouraging individuals to check the security of their digital accounts.

Thursday 26 January 2017

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) will be releasing their public opinion survey of Canadians on their website. The survey will help the OPC better gauge Canadians’ understanding and awareness of privacy issues.

Patricia Kosseim, Senior General Counsel and Director General of the OPC will be participating in a panel organised by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. The event titled “Government and Big Data: Privacy Risks and Solutions” will be available via webcast.

The Director General for Communications at the OPC, Anne-Marie Hayden, will organise a ‘Privacy After Hours’ evening event in Ottawa for privacy professionals and those interested in privacy issues.

Friday 27 January 2017

Staff from the Data Protection Commission (DPC) for Ghana will be handing out flyers throughout the country. They will offer information about best practice for organisations handling data and tips about how to keep data safe for members of the public.

The DPC will be issuing a press release about the day and their activities.

The Information Commissioner for the Isle of Man is attending the annual Manx State of the Nation Conference to talk further about the European General Data Protection Regulation. He will be announcing the “Getting ready for GDPR” conference that his office will be holding on 10th May.

The UK Information Commissioner will be issuing statements aimed at members of the public to help them take control of their own data privacy.

Saturday 28 January

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority will be setting up a stall in the town centre during the day. They will be engaging with the public to raise awareness of data protection and privacy issues so they can exercise their rights more effectively.

The Data Protection offices of the Channel Islands are planning to publish a GDPR briefing paper. They will also be delivering messages across the Jersey and Guernsey media throughout the day to raise awareness of GDPR within small and medium enterprises.

The Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner of Nova Scotia will be discussing the results of two informal surveys on video surveillance they conducted in the province. An editorial will be published, which will be followed by the release of some guidance tools on the use of video surveillance.

All members taking part will also be very active on social media throughout the week.

@commonthreadnet

Bermuda adopts Informational Privacy Legislation

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

A new Act to protect the personal information of Bermuda residents – The Personal Information Protection Act 2016 (PIPA) – was adopted on 18 August 2016 after having received Royal Assent on 27 July 2016. It provides Bermuda’s residents with a general right to privacy for personal information, which is based on a common set of international privacy principles. The PIPA applies to all organisations, including businesses and the Government, that use personal information in Bermuda.

An independent Privacy Commissioner will be appointed to ensure compliance and that the purposes of the PIPA are being achieved. The PIPA will not come into force for a period of approximately two years in order that organisations have time to prepare for its implementation. It is expected that the Privacy Commissioner will assist in providing information and education to both organisations and the public, particularly during this interim period.

Further information is available on the Government of Bermuda website: https://www.gov.bm/articles/bermuda-adopts-informational-privacy-legislation

Common Thread Network encouraged to further its capacity building engagement following 2015 CHOGM Communiqué

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The Common Thread Network met in Amsterdam in October 2015 in the margins of the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC). One of the aims of the meeting was to raise awareness of data protection and privacy at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta at the end of November 2015. Common thread leaders agreed a strong statement to further the work on data protection within the Commonwealth, specifically encouraging the development of networks across countries to share information and expertise to build the necessary capacity in the privacy and data protection field.

Following the CHOGM meeting on 27-29 November 2015, the Commonwealth Heads of Government published a Communiqué , which was particularly encouraging for the Common Thread: “Heads recognised the need to adopt legal frameworks that promote privacy rights and to ensure an open and secure internet as well as data protection in accordance with the national laws of the states concerned. They resolved to encourage the development of practical networks that facilitate the sharing of information and building of capacity in these areas.”

Christopher Graham commented that: “With this encouragement from Commonwealth leaders, our Common Thread Network will work to build capacity and reach out to those jurisdictions that need to update their law to include effective provisions on data protection and privacy. Digital means jobs and growth – but only for those countries that get the need to do data protection properly.”

Statement from the Co-chairs of the Common Thread Network on behalf of participants at the 3rd Annual Common Thread Network meeting in Amsterdam

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Eleven members of the Common Thread Network, which links the Data Protection and privacy enforcement authorities across the Commonwealth, have met in Amsterdam for their 3rd Annual Meeting on the margins of the International Conference for Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners.

The Common Thread Network is looking forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (known as CHOGM) in Valletta on 27-29 November 2015 hopefully putting data protection and privacy on the Commonwealth map. The Commonwealth has great potential to add to global value in the field of privacy and data protection through building trust and confidence in the handling of citizens’ personal data.

Co-chair Christopher Graham said: “Governments across the Commonwealth need to take the necessary action to further the Commonwealth’s previous work that already provides the basic foundations of a common approach to respecting citizens’ privacy.”

Co-chair Daniel Therrien said: “Heads of Government need to recognise that networks such as Common Thread which span across the Commonwealth can facilitate the sharing of information and expertise to build the necessary capacity in national legal frameworks for privacy and data protection.”

Both Co-chairs also warned that the benefits of the digital age with positive outcomes for jobs and growth may not be recognised unless systems are developed in a way that respects citizens’ privacy.

Common Thread Network members urge Commonwealth governments to demonstrate their commitment to privacy and data protection in the 2015 CHOGM Communiqué, which is an inherent element of the digital society and open internet.

Common Thread Network Annual Meeting participants also welcomed several new embers, discussed measures for increasing the network’s reach to maintain its steady growth of members, and strategies for better connecting the existing members.

The Secretariat for the Common Thread Network is provided by the Commonwealth
Telecommunications Organisation (CTO). Contact: Lasantha De Alwis L.DeAlwis@cto.org .

Common Thread Network to facilitate cybersecurity and cybergovernance collaboration in Commonwealth

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Commonwealth privacy regulators met today in the margins of the 36th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners held on 13 – 16 October 2014 in Balaclava Fort, Mauritius to agree the next steps in establishing the Common Thread Network (CTN), a Commonwealth network aimed at facilitating the sharing of experiences, knowledge and expertise amongst Commonwealth stakeholders and promoting cross-border cooperation, an area seen as critically important in view of the growth of the cyberspace, data, and Cloud services.

The Balaclava Fort conference was attended by data protection and privacy officials of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Malta, Mauritius, State of Victoria (Australia) and Ghana under the joint chairmanship of the United Kingdom and Canada, with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) as observer.

Welcoming the delegates, UK Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham drew attention to the role of good privacy practices in assisting socio-economic development. “It cannot be a coincidence that a small nation such as Mauritius has both a growing ICT and process sub-contracting sector and a highly effective data protection authority. Enterprise and consumer trust go hand in hand”, said Mr Graham.

CTN was originally the brainchild of the Canadian Privacy Commissioner’s Office. Federal Privacy Commissioner Daniel Therrien said: “Our aim is to leverage the strengths available within the Commonwealth to support each other, in keeping with the spirit of the Commonwealth. We will continue as a grouping of willing and committed partners pursuing similar goals which ultimately leads to better socio-economic outcomes and social norms which treat data and privacy with the care and dignity it deserves.”

The network is being co-ordinated by the CTO. Lasantha De Alwis, CTO’s Director and Head of Operations said that “data protection and privacy fits perfectly within the Cybergovernance and cybersecurity agenda of the CTO which, as the Commonwealth organisation mandated in the field of ICTs, works to help Commonwealth countries leverage ICTs for socio-economic development.”