Data Privacy Day — Raise Awareness and Promote Privacy & Data Protection

On a public holiday, the allure of sleeping in a bit is undeniable, especially with the office closed. But even if you run a business that still has to open or have work commitments, you probably don’t have to leave home as early as a typical work day.

I didn’t have such luxury presented to me this Friday morning, as I was up early to go through the usual early morning routine which doesn’t care about public holidays, ahead of a Digital Marketing and Social Media training facilitated by Patricia Kahill and Joy Akatukunda. These ladies know what they are doing and talking about; whenever you can, give them your money and let them teach you about Digital Marketing!

A few days prior, while passing by Arena Mall, my attention was drawn to a billboard proclaiming “Black Drip.” I wondered whether it was a new brand or I’d just been living under a rock or something. On Friday afternoon I discovered on Twitter that the Black Drip social media pages were abuzz earlier that day, showcasing extravagant purchases made by their clients.

It was all going well, the netizens were captivated; at least some of them. My friend Mark Ruhindi, a Tax and Corporate Lawyer wasn’t too impressed, he instead offered them free advice: DELETE, which they followed, but apparently, not fast enough as plenty of screenshots had already been taken. Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) also picked interest.

By the way, kudos to URA for adopting a tone that combines business acumen with a touch of humor on social media. It’s a refreshing approach that underscores the seriousness of their work while maintaining a connection with the public.

Black Drip is probably going to have extra scrutiny of their books from the Taxman, thanks to their viral post.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ramifications of oversharing, perfectly aligning with the ethos of #DataPrivacyDay, observed annually on January 28 to raise awareness and promote privacy and data protection best practices.

Our interconnected world provides a platform to share experiences, but it also demands a cautious approach, both for personal or business use.

As we commemorate Data Privacy Day, it’s crucial to reflect on our online habits. One fundamental step is to exercise caution in oversharing. In the era of constant connectivity, a momentary pause before posting personal details or locations can prevent unintended consequences. Additionally, take time to review and secure privacy settings on your online platforms. Limiting the visibility of personal details ensures that your online presence is shared only with your intended audience.

When many think of #Cybersecurity, images of hacking and technical intricacies come to mind. However, you go a long way toward safeguarding your data and privacy by simply being mindful of what you share online. Remember, the internet never forgets, as evidenced by URA’s timely reminder to Black Drip.

Happy Data Privacy Day!