January 28th might not be a date that resonates with many people, but for those concerned with online privacy, it may hold some meaning.
Data Privacy Day, or Data Protection Day as its known outside the U.S., was first introduced in 2007 as a day to promote best practices around online data privacy and security. Some notable bodies have backed the observance of Data Privacy Day in the past, including Intel, Microsoft, Verizon, Symantec, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Identity Theft Council, and the Anti-Phishing Working Group.
Earlier this week, internet organization Mozilla turbo-charged its privacy-centric Firefox Focus browser for iOS, adding more than 20 new languages, translated by its community of users. Back in November, Mozilla had launched the browser app, which promises to block web trackers, including analytics, social, and advertising. Additionally, it enables users to easily remove their browsing history, cookies, and stored passwords.
“We know from copious user research and constant community feedback that being able to browse the web without stressing about being tracked or served unwanted ads is a big deal,” explained Nick Nguyen, vice president of product at Mozilla. “It’s why many of them chose Firefox Focus in the first place. It’s why we built Firefox Focus. And for International Data Privacy Day, we’re particularly proud to extend always-on privacy and the beauty of the really big ‘Erase Button’ to many more people around the world.”
Growing concerns
Data privacy and security has long been a concern for many individuals and organizations, but only now does it feel as though there is enough awareness for such concerns to infiltrate the mainstream.
In July last year, LinkedIn reset passwords on millions of accounts after fresh data-leak reports surfaced. In December, Yahoo revealed a new hack, in which an “unauthorized third party” stole data from more than one billion accounts. Throw into the mix the myriad high-profile hacks to hit consumers in recent times — we’re looking at you, Target — and it’s easy to see why the online privacy tool market is ripe.
But bedroom hackers and content trackers are only part of the problem. Back in November, we reported on how Donald Trump’s election victory was driving more people to online privacy tools, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and encrypted messaging. Long before Trump had actually entered the White House there were many concerns about what a Trump-led administration would mean for U.S. surveillance and encryption policy.
In the wake of the U.S. election results, encrypted…