To raise awareness of personal privacy rights in Bermuda, the TLC Group of Companies kicks off Data Privacy Week tomorrow.

The week will include a series of online webinars targeting people in Bermuda of all ages. Data Privacy Week runs until Friday, and comes as Bermuda prepares to enact the Personal Information Privacy Act.

“The TLC Group of Companies encourages everyone to understand their rights when it comes to information privacy and plans to raise awareness through a series of free online events throughout Data Privacy Week,” said Cha’Von Joell, chief data officer and co-chief executive officer of the TLC Group, and a data privacy expert.

During the week, a group of privacy professionals will host a series of half-hour to one-hour webinars about everything from challenging privacy conversations and best practices when implementing privacy changes, to individual privacy rights. For organisations there will be a 30-minute webinar on basic tips to instantly improve their privacy and security posture.

There will also be information sessions regarding the TLC Group’s “Certified Privacy Officer” courses, “Privacy Engineer, Privacy by Design and Default Practitioner”, and “Data Privacy Champion and Cybersecurity Champion” courses for individuals, organisations and compliance professionals interested in gaining more specific privacy knowledge.

Other events for the week include “Privacy and Security Basics”, a privacy awareness webinar simplified for senior citizens and other individuals who may have little or no understanding of information privacy and security – interactive presentations for middle and high school students to better understand what privacy and security means for them, and career opportunities within this growing field.

The TLC Group will also give an online data privacy presentation to fourth graders at Mount Saint Agnes Academy.

“It was delightful to be contacted by the TLC Group to offer their expertise on privacy legislation,” MSA teacher Mary Moulder said. “We have been doing a novel study about a character who was not using his devices responsibly. The TLC officers have arranged a virtual session with our students to provide guidance on internet safety. We can’t wait to explore this more together.”

Bermuda’s Privacy Commissioner, Alexander White will be participating in a health privacy webinar tomorrow at 12.30pm, along with Walkers Bermuda and TLC’s health privacy expert, Promila Gonsalves.

“Celebrated every January 28, Data Privacy Day serves as an annual reminder of the importance of privacy rights – as well as the tremendous impact that data and technology have on individuals,” Mr White said. “I am delighted to join TLC’s efforts to promote privacy awareness by speaking with school-aged children and discussing the issues faced by specific business sectors, such as healthcare. I hope you can join us, and please always know that my office is here to support you and answer your questions.”

Ms Joell said they had seen many instances in Bermuda, where consumers were asked for their personal information and they did not know their rights.

“Especially during Covid, some organisations are collecting personal information and not implementing privacy best practices and policies,” Ms Joell said. “We aim to empower individuals to understand the importance of their personal information and what their rights are.”

“Especially now, with our always-connected lives, remote working and learning and the increase in online shopping, the community should know how their information is collected, used, stored and protected. As data privacy consultants, we believe individuals should understand their rights when it comes to sharing their private data and we highly encourage family and friends to help older family members to watch our Privacy and Security Basics. Seniors tend to have less awareness around this topic and can fall victim to less scrupulous organisations when it comes to sharing data.”

Tinee Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors expressed her support for this initiative.

"The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors is honoured to support the TLC Group's 'Data Privacy Week' initiative,“ she said. ”We are incredibly grateful that the public will have access to free webinars to learn about staying safe and secure online.

“To all of Bermuda’s seniors, a privacy and security basics webinar on Wednesday, January 27, at 10am will be offered specifically with you in mind,” she said.

“Going online keeps us connected with family and friends, allows us to learn new things, play games, and we can even find ourselves putting a few items in a shopping cart. However, while we enjoy all that the internet offers, we must first think about privacy and security to prevent being taken advantage of or scammed."

To register for the Privacy Awareness Week free events, contact data@thetlcgroup.pro or visit www.thetlcgroup.pro for more information.