Today, U.S. President Barack Obama announced a series of initiatives designed to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity and privacy environment, calling on American companies to take the lead in protecting privacy.
Organizations around the country and the world have been given a clear indication that they will have to show American consumers that they understand the value of their data and they are prepared to treat it with care and transparency.
“Our members stand at the ready to help companies with this incredibly difficult task,” said International Association of Privacy Professionals President & CEO Trevor Hughes, CIPP. “The amount of data that companies are collecting from consumers is increasing exponentially. From smart watches to fitness trackers to home automation technology and Internet-connected televisions, technology companies are closer than ever to people’s most private spaces. That can create anxiety and unease for consumers unless they have deep trust in the companies they’re doing business with. IAPP members are trained to help companies create that trust and make sure it’s not violated.”
The IAPP’s 20,000 members span the globe, working with organizations of all kinds to adhere to data privacy regulations and create cultures of privacy awareness wherever personal data is collected and processed.
“It’s not surprising,” said Hughes, “that President Obama and the U.S. government want the United States to be a place where people feel safe to adopt and utilize the most cutting-edge new technology. Privacy and transparent handling of data is vital for innovation, creativity and a vibrant digital marketplace. We are seeing countries around the world become increasingly sensitive to privacy issues and the digital world. It is vital that organizations understand privacy and all its nuances and factor it into their growth plans and risk assessments.”
With members in 83 countries and member education efforts happening in more than 100 cities around the globe, the IAPP is ready to provide the knowledge and resources that organizations need to rise to this challenge.
“Our members are working in the world’s most innovative organizations,” Hughes said, “tackling new and different challenges on a daily basis. If your company wants to compete for the opportunity the digital world provides, you have to employ well-trained privacy professionals.”
About the IAPP
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) is the largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community and resource, helping practitioners develop and advance their careers and organizations manage and protect their data. Founded in 2000, the IAPP is a not-for-profit association that helps define, support and improve the privacy profession globally. More information about the IAPP is available at www.privacyassociation.org.
