Every time you send money to family abroad, shop online, or even just scroll through social media, you are sharing a piece of yourself. Your name, your location, your financial details—these are valuable pieces of data. Most of the time, this exchange happens seamlessly. You get your service, and the company gets the information needed to provide it.
But we also know that the internet can feel like a vulnerable place. Stories about data breaches and scams are common, and it is normal to feel worried about where your information goes. That is exactly why Data Privacy Day exists.
Marked annually on January 28, Data Privacy Day is an international effort to empower individuals and encourage businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data, and enable trust. As we approach Data Privacy Day 2026, the focus is shifting from simple awareness to taking action. It is about understanding that you have power over your digital life.
This guide will explain what Data Privacy Day is, why it matters for your financial security, and the simple, practical steps you can take right now to lock down your personal information.
What is Data Privacy Day?
Data Privacy Day commemorates the January 28, 1981 signing of Convention 108. This was the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. While that sounds like a history lesson, the goal of the day is very modern.
The main purpose is to educate people on how to manage their personal information. It also reminds organizations that privacy is good for business. When a company is transparent about how they use your data, it builds trust.
In the United States and Canada, the day has expanded into “Data Privacy Week,” allowing for more time to discuss these critical issues. For 2026, the theme continues to revolve around the concept of “Own Your Privacy.” It is a reminder that your digital footprint belongs to you, and you have the right to decide who sees it and how it is used.
Why privacy matters for your finances
Your financial data is arguably the most sensitive information you own. When you use digital services to manage your money—whether that is a banking app or an international money transfer service—you need assurance that the data is safe.
Financial privacy isn’t just about keeping your bank balance secret. It is about protecting your identity. If bad actors get access to your personal details, they can do more than just access funds; they can open accounts in your name or impact your credit score.
This is why choosing the right service providers is so important. Companies that value transparency will clearly outline their security measures. They will explain encryption processes in simple terms and tell you exactly what fees you are paying. There should be no hidden surprises when it comes to your money or your data.
5 simple steps to protect your data in 2026
You do not need to be a tech expert to improve your digital safety. Small changes to your daily habits can create a strong shield around your personal information. Here are five practical steps you can take today.
1. Upgrade your password habits
We often use the same password for multiple accounts because it is easy to remember. However, if one site gets compromised, hackers can try that same password on your email or bank account.
The best practice is to use a unique password for every important account. Since remembering twenty different complex passwords is hard, consider using a password manager. These are secure programs that generate and store long, random passwords for you. You only need to remember one “master” password to unlock the vault.
If you prefer not to use a manager, try using “passphrases” instead of passwords. A passphrase is a string of three or four random words, like Purple-Coffee-Guitar-Sky. These are much harder for computers to guess than P@ssword123, but much easier for you to remember.
2. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds a second lock to your door. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot get into your account without the second “key.”
usually, this second key is a code sent to your phone via SMS or an app, or a fingerprint scan. You should enable 2FA on every account that offers it, especially your email, social media, and financial apps. It takes an extra few seconds to log in, but it provides a massive layer of security.
3. Review your app permissions
Have you ever downloaded a flashlight app that asked for your location or access to your contacts list? Many apps ask for more data than they actually need to function.
Take five minutes to go through the settings on your phone. Look at the permissions for each app. Does that game need access to your camera? Does that calculator need to know your location? If the answer is no, turn that permission off. Limiting what apps can see reduces the amount of data being collected about you in the background.
4. Be careful with public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops and airports is convenient, but it is often unsecured. This means that anyone else on that network could potentially intercept the data you are sending.
Avoid checking your bank account or sending money while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you need to handle financial tasks while you are out, it is safer to turn off Wi-Fi and use your mobile data plan. Your cellular connection is encrypted and much more secure than an open hotspot.
5. Spot the phishing scams
Phishing is when scammers send fake emails or texts pretending to be a legitimate company. They might say there is a problem with your account and ask you to click a link to “fix” it.
Always look closely at the sender’s address. Legitimate companies will rarely ask for sensitive information like passwords via email. If you receive a message that feels urgent or threatening, do not click the link. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website or app to check your account status.
Understanding your digital footprint
Every time you interact online, you leave a trail. This is called your digital footprint. It includes your social media posts, the websites you visit, and your online purchases.
In 2026, managing this footprint is easier than before. Many browsers now block “third-party cookies,” which are little trackers that follow you from site to site to show you ads. You can also use privacy-focused search engines that do not store your search history.
It is helpful to Google yourself occasionally. See what information comes up. If you find old social media accounts you no longer use, delete them. The fewer inactive accounts you have floating around, the less opportunity there is for that data to be misused.
The role of companies in protecting you
While your habits matter, the heavy lifting should be done by the companies you trust. Data Privacy Day is a good time to evaluate the businesses you support.
Look for companies that are transparent. A good privacy policy should be easy to read, not buried in twenty pages of legal jargon. It should plainly state what data is collected, why it is needed, and who it is shared with.
At Remitly, for example, we believe in keeping things simple and secure. We use bank-level security to protect your information because we know how hard you work for your money. We are clear about our processes so you can feel confident every time you hit send.
Privacy laws are on your side
Governments around the world are waking up to the importance of data privacy. Laws like the GDPR in Europe and the CCPA in California have set high standards for how companies must handle data.
These laws give you rights. In many places, you have the right to ask a company to show you the data they have on you. You also often have the right to ask them to delete it.
As we move through 2026, we expect to see even more regulations designed to protect consumers. This is good news. It puts the power back in your hands and forces organizations to be accountable.
Keeping the conversation going
Data Privacy Day is just one day on the calendar, but digital safety is a year-round commitment. It helps to talk about these topics with your friends and family.
If you have parents or grandparents who are less comfortable with technology, help them set up 2FA or check their privacy settings. If you have children, talk to them about what they share on social media. Building a community of awareness helps keep everyone safer.
Your next steps for a safer 2026
You do not have to do everything at once. Start small. Pick one action from this guide to do today. Maybe you will change your email password to a secure passphrase. Maybe you will finally turn on two-factor authentication for your bank account.
The goal isn’t to be perfect; the goal is to be safer than you were yesterday.
By taking ownership of your privacy, you can enjoy the convenience of the digital world without the worry. Whether you are connecting with loved ones across the ocean or managing your savings, you deserve to feel secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Data Privacy Day?
Data Privacy Day is an international effort observed annually on January 28 to raise awareness and promote best practices for privacy and data security. It serves as a reminder for individuals and organizations to be mindful of how they handle personal information.
Why is data privacy important?
Data privacy is crucial because it protects your personal information from unauthorized access or misuse. Safeguarding your data helps you avoid identity theft, financial loss, and breaches of confidentiality.
What are some simple steps I can take to protect my data?
There are several steps you can take to enhance your data security:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
- Keep your software and devices up to date with the latest security updates.
- Regularly review your privacy settings on social media and other online platforms.
What should I do if I suspect my data has been compromised?
If you think your data has been compromised, act quickly to limit the damage. Change passwords on affected accounts, alert your bank or financial institutions if sensitive financial data is involved, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Additionally, consider using professional services to assist with identity theft recovery if needed.
How can I learn more about protecting my privacy?
You can learn more by visiting trusted resources such as the websites for the National Cybersecurity Alliance or your country’s official data protection authorities. These organizations offer up-to-date information and tools to help you safeguard your personal and financial data.