Every year from January 26 to 30, people around the world pause to recognize Data Privacy Week — a campaign dedicated to helping individuals and organizations understand how personal information is collected, used, shared, and protected online. The goal is simple: empower you to take control of your data and make informed choices about how it is used.
In our digital world, nearly everything we do leaves a trail of data — from the apps on our phones to the online shopping and streaming services we use. Data privacy isn’t just about hiding data; it’s about knowing what’s collected, why it matters, and how you can exercise your rights. This 2026, let’s unpack why data privacy matters, how you can protect yourself, and what resources are available — including ones right here in Burnaby.
What Is Data Privacy and Why Does It Matter?
Data privacy refers to your right to control how your personal information is collected, used, and shared. It’s about protecting your information from misuse, unauthorized access, or being sold without your consent. Companies collect your data for many reasons — to personalize services, improve products, or tailor advertisements — but too often that data is stored, analyzed, and shared in ways users never intended.
Here’s what’s at stake:
- Digital footprints: Every search, app download, and social interaction can be tracked.
- Inferences and profiling: Personal data can be used to make assumptions about your habits, preferences, and identity.
- Data sales: Some companies sell data to advertisers or data brokers, potentially without clear notice to users.
- Security risks: If poorly stored, personal data can be exposed in breaches.
Data privacy matters because it affects your autonomy, dignity, safety, and trust in digital spaces.
Your Rights to Data Privacy
In Canada, your privacy rights are protected under both federal and provincial laws. For example:
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) governs how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal data during commercial activities. You have the right to know what data is held about you and to ask for corrections.
- In British Columbia, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) provides similar protections for private sector organizations.
These laws give you the right to:
- access your personal information held by an organization
- correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- withdraw consent for certain uses
- challenge compliance if your rights are not respected
For government services and health data, additional laws like BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) may apply.
How to Take Control of Your Data — Practical Steps
You can’t control every way your data is collected, but you can adopt a set of repeatable behaviours that give you more agency:
1. Review and Adjust Privacy Settings
Go into your devices and online accounts and adjust privacy settings:
- Turn off location tracking where not needed
- Limit app permissions (e.g., microphone, camera)
- Opt out of ad personalization
- Regularly delete old data you no longer use
For example, major platforms like Google, Apple, and Facebook have privacy dashboards where you can review what data is stored and how it’s used.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Protect accounts with unique, strong passwords and enable 2FA whenever possible. A password manager can help you store and generate secure passwords.
3. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi can expose your data to others on the network. Use a virtual private network (VPN) or limit sensitive activities on public Wi-Fi.
4. Understand the Privacy Policies You Accept
Before installing an app or signing up for a service, take a moment to glance at its privacy policy. Look for:
- what data is collected
- how it’s used
- whether it’s shared with third parties
5. Clean Up Old Accounts and Data
Old accounts from services you no longer use may still hold personal data. Deleting unused accounts and refreshing your digital footprint reduces unnecessary exposure.
How to Check Your Privacy Settings — Quick Guides
Here are quick ways to review privacy settings on popular platforms:
- Visit your Google Account > Privacy & personalization > “Manage your data & privacy”
- Review Web & App Activity, Ad Personalization, and App permissions.
Apple Devices
- Settings > Privacy & Security
- Review permission for location, camera, microphone, and more.
Facebook/Meta
- Settings > Privacy & Ad Preferences
- Adjust who can see your posts, your profile information, and ad personalization settings.
Local Burnaby Resources for Data Privacy Help
While federal and provincial laws protect your data, local organizations can help you understand and exercise your digital rights:
Burnaby Public Library — Digital Literacy Support
Your local library offers digital literacy help, including:
- one-on-one tech help sessions
- workshops on digital privacy and security
- access to computers and safe browsing tutorials
📍 Learn more at: bpl.bc.ca
Gateway to Community Technology (At Community Centres)
Many Burnaby community centres offer basic digital skills support. Contact your local centre to see if they have privacy or cybersecurity workshops.
BC Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner
Provides guidance, resources, and complaint mechanisms if privacy rights are not respected in BC.
📍 https://www.oipc.bc.ca/
Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner
If you have concerns about how a company is handling your personal information, you can file a complaint here:
📍 https://www.priv.gc.ca/
What You Can Do Right Now — Data Privacy Actions
Here’s a simple checklist you can do this week to celebrate Data Privacy Week:
✔ Review your privacy settings on devices and apps
✔ Turn on two-factor authentication
✔ Delete old online accounts
✔ Use a password manager
✔ Avoid saving payment info on every site
✔ Read privacy policies before agreeing
✔ Ask: “Do I really need to share this data?”
Remember, your data is valuable — and you deserve to have a say in how it’s used and shared.
Why Data Privacy Still Matters
Even if you choose not to use the internet, data about you can still be collected — for example, through credit card purchases, government records, or even health information. You cannot control every bit of data about your life, but you can take steps to manage your digital presence and protect your privacy when possible.
The theme of Data Privacy Week — Take Control of Your Data — is a reminder that privacy isn’t a one-time action. It’s an ongoing practice of awareness, choice, and informed decisions about your digital life.
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