Marking a significant milestone, Bangladesh celebrated its first-ever Data Privacy Week 2024. The week-long campaign for “Empowerment through Data Privacy & Cyber Security Awareness” has been an initiative to raise awareness about the safe and secure use of all technology to encourage everyone to do their part to prevent digital wrongdoing of any kind.
The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), a newly formed agency constituted under the Cyber Security Act 2023 that is responsible for monitoring online communication and countering cybercrimes, in collaboration with Barrister Tasnuva Shelley, Advocate Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Legalized Education Bangladesh Limited an online legal ed-tech platform and SSL Commerze initiated this awareness campaign by celebrating Data Privacy Week 2024 to promote a culture of awareness and knowledge around the importance of data privacy and cybersecurity.
The main objective behind Data Privacy Week 2024 was to increase awareness about the importance of data privacy and its impact on individuals, businesses, and society as a whole with a special focus on youth and children/teenagers.
Starting from January 21st to January 27th, Data Privacy Week 2024 proved impactful, fostering awareness and empowerment in the digital realm that was particularly curated to create awareness and align with the theme of how to #TakeControlofYourData.
Here’s a glimpse into the impactful activities that unfolded during Data Privacy Week 2024:
Day 1: A Special Legal Technology & Innovation (LIT) Webinar kicked off the week, titled “Understanding the Importance of Privacy Laws in Today’s Digital Landscape” on January 21, 2024. Notable speakers included Barrister Tasnuva Shelley, an Advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Mr. Guest Speaker Ms. Cynthia Cole, a Certified Information Privacy Professional with over 20 years of experience, and Guest Speaker Mr. Abu Sayed Md. Kamruzzaman, DG of the National Cyber Security Agency (NSCA). The discussion delved into global privacy laws, key principles, compliance challenges, and emerging trends, providing practical insights for businesses and individuals to navigate the complex landscape of data privacy.
Day 2: The inauguration ceremony on January 22, 2024, at the BCC Auditorium in Dhaka, marked a historic moment for Bangladesh. Government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from various sectors attended the event. Barrister Tasnuva Shelley emphasized the need for both businesses and individuals to uphold data privacy standards. The event featured insightful speeches from high-ranking officials, including Honorable Justice Mr. Sheikh Hassan Arif, Supreme Court of Bangladesh & Mr. Md. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary of the ICT Division. The ceremony concluded with a panel of speakers discussing the challenges and opportunities in data privacy and cybersecurity. The Chair of the inauguration event, Mr Abu Sayed Md. Kamruzzaman ndc, DG of NSCA in his concluding remarks thanked everyone for their valuable time and stressed the need to strike a balance between personal privacy and state security. Data Privacy Week 2024 marks the beginning of a new movement in Bangladesh, the esteemed guests of the ICT Division and speakers got the title of “Ambassador” for raising awareness about data privacy and cybersecurity.
Day 3: A Public Awareness Campaign on January 23, 2024, titled “Community Engagement to Encourage Privacy Conscious Individuals” aimed to educate individuals on staying safe online and making informed choices about their data, engaging with commuters at Agargaon Metro-rail Station and Mirpur 10 Metro-rail Station. The team interacted with passersby, sharing insights on “Taking control of data” during the off-peak hours became the backdrop of the bustling corridors where the team of Legalized set up a booth with banners, gifts and leaflets on “Tips to stay safe online” published by NCSA
Day 4: Industry experts came together for a Dialogue session on “Ensuring Data Privacy and its Challenges Amongst ICT Industry,” discussing the complexities and strategies related to data protection in the digital landscape at the BASIS Auditorium on January 24, 2024. The diverse panel, including representatives from the National Cyber Security Agency and Future of Privacy Forum, discussed emerging trends in privacy regulation and practical tips for businesses.
Day 5: Empowering the next generation, an Interactive workshop for Youth Empowerment took place at the Independent University, Department of Law, titled “Empowering the Youth Through Data Privacy Awareness” on January 25, 2024.
Day 6: Highlighting the importance of responsible online behaviour, Social Media Campaigns spread awareness about protecting personal information online with content on “Using Social Media Platforms responsibly and positively content on staying safe online” January 26, 2024
Day 7: The concluding day on 27 January 2024, targeted children and teenagers at Jaago School, Banani. An eBook on “Cyber Kid’s Guide to Online Safety” in Bangla was launched, along with discussions and video presentations emphasizing online safety strategies for young individuals. Focusing on the most vulnerable, Tips & Tricks for Kids/Teenagers to Stay Safe Online were shared during a session titled “data privacy and cyber security awareness amongst the children and teenagers.”
Data Privacy Week 2024, has made a meaningful contribution towards building a privacy-conscious society and by empowering individuals towards a secure smart Bangladesh. By empowering individuals to take control of their data and promoting responsible technology use, this initiative laid the foundation for a future where everyone can thrive in the digital world.
