In the era of deepening digitalization, personal data has become a valuable but also vulnerable asset. January 28 is chosen annually to celebrate Data Protection Day, a global event aimed at raising awareness of privacy and protecting personal information. In 2026, with the theme of emphasizing "Own Your Privacy", the issue of protecting and mastering each individual's data has become more urgent than ever, especially when AI and cloud technology are developing strongly. The article will provide some information about the origin and meaning of this day in contemporary history, and at the same time set in the context of modern Vietnam – a country that is transforming strongly in the digital economy but is also facing many challenges in protecting the privacy of each individual.
Vietnam is transforming strongly in the digital economy but is also facing many challenges in protecting the privacy of each individual.
Where did Data Protection Day originate?
Data Protection Day originated in Europe, specifically from the Council of Europe. In 2006, the organization's Committee of Ministers decided to choose 28 January every year as European Data Protection Day, to commemorate the signing of Convention 108 in 1981 – the first legally binding international treaty on the protection of personal data. This Convention, also known as the Convention on the Protection of Individuals Concerning the Automatic Processing of Personal Data, was opened for signing in Strasbourg, France, marking an important milestone in the history of privacy protection.
Convention 108 came into existence in the context of the popularity of computer technology, leading to the risk of misuse of personal data. It sets out basic principles such as fair, transparent data processing and only for lawful purposes. In 2007, the day was celebrated for the first time in Europe, with support from the European Commission, to raise awareness among citizens about their data protection rights. Initially, the event stemmed from a survey that showed that many Europeans do not fully understand their data privacy.
The global spread is rapid. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 31, recognizing January 28 as National Data Privacy Day, with support from the Senate. Today, the event is held in more than 50 countries, including the US, Canada, Israel, and EU countries. In Europe, the event retains the name Data Protection Day, while in the U.S. and other regions it is often called Data Privacy Day. In 2018, Convention 108 was modernized into Convention 108+, which integrates principles from the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), such as scaling and explicit consent. This confirms the day's role as a symbol of progress in global data protection.
The Meaning and Value of Data Protection Day
Data Protection Day is not only a symbolic holiday, but also has a profound meaning in promoting awareness and action to protect privacy. The main goal is to raise awareness among individuals and organizations about best practices in data protection, encourage the development of technologies that help individuals control their personal information, and promote compliance with the law. In the context of an increasingly connected world, personal data has become the "new gold" of the digital economy, but also the target of cyberattacks and abuse.
By 2026, the value of this day will be further emphasized by the explosion of technology. With the development of AI, cloud, and digital systems, the risk of personal data disclosure is high. The 2026 theme revolves around "Reset or Refind",[1] focusing on modernizing data protection frameworks for AI and new technologies, and emphasizing "Security by design" to integrate privacy into new projects and address the ethical challenges of AI towards a human-centric digital future. The conference, organised by the European Data Protection Supervisory Authority (EDPS) and the European Council, will discuss improving legislation to deal with new technology, inspired by Convention 108+. The day also promotes dialogue among stakeholders, from governments to businesses, to create a safer digital environment.
The significance of Data Protection Day is that it reminds us that data protection is not a barrier but a foundation for ethical innovation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of medical data has saved millions of lives, but also posed privacy challenges. In 2026, with AI changing the way we work, this day emphasizes the balance between innovation and the protection of human rights, especially the privacy that each individual has the right to own.
The significance of Data Protection Day is that it reminds us that data protection is not a barrier but a foundation for ethical innovation
Data protection in Vietnam in the new context
Vietnam is one of the countries with the fastest growth rate of the digital economy in Asia, with more than 70 million internet users and digital platforms such as e-government and e-commerce are booming. However, this also entails cybersecurity risks and personal data exposure. Data Protection Day 2026 has special significance for Vietnam, as this is the time when the Law on Personal Data Protection 2025 (the Law on PDP) has officially come into effect from January 1, 2026. This law is an upgrade from Decree 13/2023/ND-CP to create the first comprehensive legal framework for personal data protection.
In the current context, Vietnam is facing cases of big data leaks, from medical information to finance. The law prohibits the trade of personal data, requires an impact assessment of data transfers abroad, and applies to both domestic and foreign enterprises that process the data of Vietnamese citizens. Combined with the Data Law 2024, which came into effect on July 1, 2025, this legal framework helps Vietnam integrate internationally, protect citizens' rights, and promote a sustainable digital economy. Data Protection Day suggests to Vietnam the need to balance technology development and human rights protection, especially when AI and big data are being widely applied in fields such as healthcare, education, finance, etc.
Opportunities for Vietnam
To take advantage of the value of Data Protection Day and raise awareness among people and businesses, Vietnam needs to take drastic action. First of all, the government should build an independent supervisory authority on data protection, in order to effectively enforce the new legal framework on data protection that has come into force. This will ensure transparency and enforcement efficiency, helping to strengthen national credibility.
For citizens, widespread awareness campaigns, such as education programs in schools and mass media about data privacy, are needed. From small tasks such as instructions on how to use strong passwords, identifying cyber fraud, to requesting data deletion, data security from businesses will be a safe platform for people in the digital space. Businesses must perform data audits, assign data protection departments, and train employees on compliance. Upgrading IT systems with security measures such as encryption and access control is essential in today's context.
In addition, Vietnam should strengthen international cooperation, learn from ASEAN, which has practiced and has good experience in this field such as Singapore, to harmonize laws and have solutions suitable for the Vietnamese context. Encourage research and innovation in data protection technology, and closely monitor large digital platforms. Finally, integrating data protection into the national digital economy development strategy will help data become a safe asset, promoting sustainable growth.
Data Protection Day 2026 may just be an international event. But at the national level, Vietnam can fully take advantage of this day to take action and raise public awareness with the goal of a safe Vietnam in a new and promising development space – cyberspace.
[1] https://data-protection-day.eu/, last accessed on 20/01/2026.
