Data Privacy Week in Ohio: Why It Matters — and What You Can Do

by Dan Starcher, Communications Coordinator for Wayne County

WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio, Dec. 10, 2025–Every January, communities and organizations nationwide observe Data Privacy Week — a time to reflect on how we manage, protect, and respect personal information in our increasingly digital lives. In Ohio, the Attorney General’s Office uses this week to highlight practical privacy advice and remind residents of the importance of vigilance.

What is Data Privacy Week

Data Privacy Week is an annual initiative — a time for individuals and organizations to raise awareness around online privacy and data protection. As the Attorney General’s Office explains, the goal is twofold: to help people realize they have control over their personal data, and to encourage businesses and institutions to treat users’ data with the care and respect it deserves.

Though officially observed over a short span each January, the underlying message is perennial: personal data deserves protection all year long.

Why It Matters in Ohio

In a world where digital services — from social media to banking, shopping to schoolwork — touch nearly every part of daily life, data privacy is not just a nicety. It’s essential for protecting identity, financial well-being, and personal security. As the Attorney General’s Office notes, unsafe data habits can pave the way for identity theft, fraud, and other abuses.

Moreover, the volume of data collected by apps, websites, and services has grown dramatically. Many ask permission to access sensitive information — location, contacts, photos, even device-level data — often in exchange for free or low-cost services. That convenience comes with a responsibility: consumers must carefully weigh whether the tradeoff is worth it.

Ohio Attorney General’s Privacy Recommendations

To help Ohioans protect themselves, the Attorney General’s Office offers a straightforward set of actionable recommendations.

Here are some top tips that will help safeguard your data:

• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security even if a password is compromised.
• Be cautious with suspicious communications. Don’t give out personal information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly — whether by phone, email, or text. If you suspect fraud, verify the identity of the caller or sender through legitimate, trusted channels.
• Review privacy settings and permissions. Whether on social media, apps, or browsers, adjust privacy settings to control what data is shared — and periodically revisit those settings.
• Think carefully about convenience vs. privacy. Some apps or services request permissions that may not be essential. Ask yourself whether granting access is really necessary for the service you want.
• Dispose of devices responsibly. Even small devices — USB drives, memory cards, old phones — can contain personal data. Before discarding or giving them away, wipe or destroy them securely.

What You Can Do — Beyond Data Privacy Week

Observing Data Privacy Week is a useful reminder, but good data hygiene practices should extend far beyond one week. Here are some proactive steps:

Audit your digital footprint: review which apps and services you use, and what permissions you granted.

Use tools designed for privacy: password managers, privacy-focused browsers, or virtual private networks (VPNs) — when appropriate.

Educate yourself and family members about phishing, scams, and data safety best practices.

Stay informed about evolving data laws and consumer protections.

Final Thought

Data Privacy Week offers an important moment for Ohioans to pause, reflect, and recommit to protecting personal information — but more importantly, it serves as a prompt to build lasting habits. As digital tools continue to evolve, so too must our approach to privacy.

By following guidance from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and integrating smart security practices into daily life, every Ohioan can play a part in safeguarding their data — today and every day.