Today marks Data Privacy Day 2010, a day that is commemorated in nearly 30 nations to raise awareness of digital privacy issues and generate discussion. Instant access to personal information online and on Smartgrid technologies has led to a rapidly evolving discussion centering on the parameters of this digital age. With cloud computing and viral networking growing at exponential rates, educators, policy makers, citizens and organizations have united to define new regulations to protect privacy rights. Numerous Silicon Valley companies and organizations have taken an avid interest in January 28 by adding to the discussions and evaluating their products and services.
Google recognizes the day by reiterating their own privacy principles to their users. Alan Eustice, Senior VP of Engineering and Research at Google, blogged about privacy-enhancing new technologies from Mountain View. Listing Google's privacy principles, which includes giving users privacy protection choices and being responsible agents of the information they possess, Google equates the company's privacy ethics with that of its design and software precepts. "These privacy principles are designed to guide the decisions we make when we create new technologies," said Eustice. The company also hosts the Youtube Google Channel Privacy Channel which offers advice on maintaining your privacy on Google Chrome and with online advertising.
Intel is likewise taking an active role in the day's events. Its Global Public Policy Group is contributing to the international digital debate by working alongside governments and organizations to inform and shape policy. Redwood City's Oracle Corporation is a privacy advocate and partner to the Data Privacy Day and actively participates in discussions.
Among the many academic and professional groups contributing to the discussion are Stanford's Center for Internet and Society and UC Berkeley's School of Law. Berkeley hosted a roundtable discussion this morning on technology practices and data collection which will include policymakers, lawyers, academics and consumer protection agencies. The webcast can be viewed here.
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