Happy New Year! And Happy Data Privacy Day!
Data Privacy Day Event:
Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28) is recognized in this country and abroad as a day to raise awareness and promote privacy and data protection best practices.
The state Office of Privacy and Data Protection (OPDP) is recognizing Data Privacy Day with a virtual event that includes guest speakers from the American Civil Liberties Union and The Future of Privacy Forum. They will present on the important topic of privacy and equity. If you are interested in attending, please email privacy@ocio.wa.gov to receive the WebEx link and invitation.
- Date: January 28, 2021
- Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The event will be recorded so if you are unable to attend, we will archive the presentations on our website next month.
Legislative Session:
The legislative session kicked off virtually this year with a flurry of activity including the introduction of the Washington Privacy Act (SB 5062) which has already passed the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology committee. The bill now goes to the Senate Ways and Means committee.
There are also several bills impacting privacy that OPDP is actively following including legislation regarding COVID-19 health data, and many new proposed exemptions to the Public Records Act.
News items that caught OPDP's attention this month include:
- Privacy regulations may play a role in how the U.S. combats disinformation.
- The US Capitol attack has again raised questions about government use of facial recognition technology.
- The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines is raising questions about the role of immunity passports.
I hope you are staying warm and dry this winter! I look forward to sharing updates and news from our office soon.
Katy Ruckle
State Chief Privacy Officer