On 28 January 1981, exactly 40 years ago, the Convention 108 for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data of the Council of Europe came into force. The Council of Europe took the initiative and declared 28 January Data Protection Day, that is currently celebrated in numerous countries around the world, even though it has emerged as „European”. In 2018, Convention 108 was modernized in view of the development of information and communication technologies and taking into account the challenges standing before privacy.
The still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented threat to humanity in all possible aspects – health, economy, culture. The world faced the need to adapt very quickly to the new reality, which in turn revolutionised the implementation of online solutions in a number of aspects and causing many areas of life to go online. This change took place within few months and although we are prepared enough in terms of technology and there are undeniable advantages, the digital society poses a number of challenges. One of them, which is of an utmost importance, is the protection of information and, in particular, the protection of the personal data of data subjects. A proper understanding of the risks, guarantees and rights associated with the processing and protection of personal data is needed, more than ever before.
On 28 January 2021, the Commission for Personal Data Protection marks the Data Protection Day once again with a number of events, as well as the launching of initiatives aimed at raising the awareness of citizens and establishing an inner value system with regard to the better understanding of personal data processing policies.
Traditionally, from 11:00 to 12:30 experts from the Bulgarian supervisory authority would welcome data controllers, as well as citizens and will answer all the questions they might have. In accordance with the current epidemic situation, increased protection measures will be put in place, such as measuring of the body temperature at the entrance of the premises of the authority, mandatory wearing of face masks, as well as keeping reasonable distance. Visitors would be invited to a room, where through video conferencing experts would be able to answer their questions.
In addition, a digital Tool for Self-assessment of the Small and Medium Enterprises for their Compliance with the General Regulation on Personal Data Protection will be presented through the CPDP website. It was developed under the SMEDATA project – „Ensuring the highest level of protection of privacy and personal data through innovative tools for small and medium enterprises and citizens”.
Moreover, the launch of a survey for data controllers from the private sector will be announced, aiming at obtaining information on their readiness to use the skills of people with disadvantages.
Another traditional Data Protection Day event is the annual award for journalism. Traditionally, a formal reception is organized for the employees of the supervisory authority, however this year only the Chairman and a representative of the award-winning media will be present.
We would be glad, if you take advantage of our initiatives in order to enrich your knowledge, assess your place within the data protection system and support our work by understanding and endorsing our efforts to achieve the maximum in the protection of the right of privacy.
