Happy Data Privacy Day! Data Privacy Day (January 28, 2010) encourages a dialogue among businesses, individuals, government agencies, non-profit groups, academics, teachers and students about how advanced technologies affect our daily lives. This dialogue connects directly with ALA’s effort to spark a national conversation about privacy in America and we are pleased to recognize this event!

It’s been a busy week in the realm of privacy and technology. Today, the Federal Trade Commission is hosting one in a series of day-long “Explore Privacy” public roundtable discussions to consider key privacy challenges posed by 21st century technology and business practices that collect and use consumer data. Those of us unable to attend in person have been able to connect to the live webcast, learn about the session online, and follow the #ftcprivacy tag on Twitter.

Earlier this week, representatives from nonprofits, consumer groups, industry, and government gathered in D.C. for the 6th Annual State of the Net Conference. Issues of privacy and security emerged as key considerations throughout the conference, in sessions ranging from copyright and cloud computing to free expression and social media. Our friends at the Center for Democracy & Technology provided a live broadcast of conference sessions, which are archived and available here.