WHEREAS, The privacy of personal information is a global imperative for governments, industry, civil society, and individuals; and

WHEREAS, “Privacy” is the recognition that a free and democratic society respects the autonomy of individuals to choose the circumstances and degree to which individuals will expose their personal characteristics, attitudes, and behavior; and

WHEREAS, Advances in modern technology enhance our lives by increasing our ability to communicate, learn, share, and produce, and that every effort should be made to continue both the creation and innovative use of such technologies; and

WHEREAS, The growing use of technology in our work, our government institutions, and in our everyday lives gives rise to a potential loss of personal privacy if appropriate attention is not given to the collection, use, and protection of personal information; and

WHEREAS, The unauthorized disclosure of personal information and the loss of privacy can have devastating effects for individuals, ranging from financial fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary costs to personal time and finances, to destruction of property, harassment, reputational damage, emotional stress, and even potential physical harm; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals are unaware of the risks to privacy posed by new technologies and threats, unaware of data protection and privacy laws generally, and unaware of specific steps that they can take to help protect their personal information; and

WHEREAS, A continuing examination and increase in understanding of the ways in which personal information is collected, used, sorted, stored, shared, and managed in an increasingly networked world will contribute to the protection of personal privacy; and

WHEREAS, It is important for all Californians to be aware of the need for privacy protection and responsible data management; and

WHEREAS, The California Constitution expressly protects an individual’s right to privacy from both governmental and private actors; and

WHEREAS, Data Privacy Day in the United States began in 2008 as an extension of Data Protection Day celebrations in Europe that commemorate the signing of Convention No. 108 on January 28, 1981, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection; and constitutes an international collaboration and a nationwide and statewide effort to raise awareness about data privacy and the protection of personal information; and

WHEREAS, Data Protection Day is now celebrated annually as part of an international effort to raise awareness about data privacy and the protection of personal information; and

WHEREAS, The theme of Data Privacy Day is “Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data and Enabling Trust”; and

WHEREAS, Government officials from the United States, Canada, and Europe, privacy professionals, academic communities, legal scholars, representatives of businesses and nonprofit organizations, and others with an interest in data privacy issues are working together on this date to further the discussion about data privacy and protection; and

WHEREAS, The Privacy Enforcement and Protection Unit at the California Department of Justice, which exemplifies California’s commitment to enforce state and federal privacy laws, empowers Californians by helping them to learn their privacy rights and strategies for protecting their privacy, promoting safer online behavior, and encouraging businesses and other organizations to follow best practices that respect privacy; and

WHEREAS, Data Privacy Day will encourage more people in California to learn about technology and the tools available to assist them in controlling their own privacy, addressing data privacy concerns, and adopting best practices to protect their personal information and utilize technology to its fullest potential; and

WHEREAS, Parents, guardians, and educators in schools and universities across the country are being encouraged to take the time to discuss privacy and data protection issues with children, teens, and young adults; and

WHEREAS, Leading technology sectors should continue to serve as engaged and valuable partners in efforts to respect consumer privacy and to expand consumer knowledge and choice; and

WHEREAS, Striking a balance between privacy, technology, and innovation can have tremendous benefits for our society; now, therefore, be it