Data Privacy Day will be observed on Tuesday, January 28^th in the U.S. and Canada. The National Cyber Security Alliance, an organization that addresses cybersecurity and privacy education, leads this annual promotion. The objective, in part, is to help alert both the public and the business community to the importance of protecting personal information and to avoid online data breaches. Better Business Bureau also provides a page that addresses issues related to Data Privacy Day in 2020: https://BBB.org/privacy.

In addition, BBB National Programs provides a page that addresses issues related to Data Privacy Day in 2020: https://bbbprograms.org/insights. This page includes timely blog posts that help organizations better serve their customers and website visitors by aligning their practices with recent legal updates.

Data privacy, however, is not just an issue for businesses, but is a vitally important matter for charitable organizations as well. Donors and others communicate online with charities via their websites, emails and other online means and need to be informed about what policies are in place to address privacy. For over 15 years, the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (see Standard 18b) have called for charities to have clear, prominent and accessible privacy policies on their websites that cover, at a minimum, the following elements:

Notice: What information is being collected by the charity and how will it be used?

Access: How do you contact the charity to review your personal information and, if needed, ask for corrections?

Choice: How do you inform the charity if you do not wish your personal information to be shared outside the organization?

Security: What security measures does the charity have to protect personal information that is received by them?

While data privacy issues have become more complex in recent years, the above four fundamental principles still provide a helpful start for both donors and charities to consider. The bottom line for charities is that a privacy violation or a data breach can seriously impact not only the individuals included but also can significantly impact future trust and confidence in the organization. No one wants these violations to happen but without adequate preventative measures, the risks can be great.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Thomas Kemper, General Secretary, United Methodist Committee on Relief, a BBB Accredited Charity that seeks to alleviate suffering whether caused by war, conflict or natural disaster. UMCOR helps communities in the United States and abroad prepare for emergencies and to reduce the risk of disasters through a roster of training programs. The organization's International Development Unit works through its field offices and partner network to facilitate long-term community development and empowerment in areas of need.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Hearing Loss Association of America
• National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
• Operation Homefront

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO  
BBB Wise Giving Alliance