The amount of data produced in the world each day is incredible. Over 2.5 quintillion bytes of storable information is developed every 24 hours — and the pace, and value, of this will only increase with the rise of automation and digitalised technologies. Although we may not appreciate it, personal information has become a prime commodity in our global economy. It provides a snapshot of our day-to-day lives, and can be used by organisations for targeted advertising and for determining the future behaviours of consumers. So, ensuring it is sufficiently protected, and shielded from potential misuse, is key. For us, at VFS Global, a company that handles millions of visa applications each year, employing the highest possible standard of data protection is not just the right thing to do – it’s imperative to our business model. We are trusted with highly sensitive information, including fingerprints and other biometric data, which could cause significant harm to the individual if it fell into the wrong hands. So, ensuring we have the most robust practices, safeguards, and continued confidence of our customers as “good custodians” of their data, is vital. Key dates, then, such as Data Privacy Day, are important for businesses and consumers alike. For the former, they provide an opportunity to reflect on operational practices, while, for the latter, they remind us of the significance of our personal information in the world today.  Read Less