The Growing Importance of Privacy in the Digital Age

As part of International Data Protection Day, celebrated every year on January 28, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kian Jazayeri, an academic at Cyprus International University (CIU), shared an assessment highlighting the importance of protecting personal data in the digital age in terms of individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kian Jazayeri emphasized that the protection of personal data should not be considered merely a technical issue, stating: “Data privacy is an integral part of individuals’ right to privacy and fundamental freedoms. Therefore, it is of great importance to establish data protection awareness as a sustainable approach within institutional structures.”

Noting that with the widespread use of digital technologies, information such as identity details, academic records, health and financial data, and online behavioral data are continuously collected and processed, Jazayeri stated that this situation also brings risks such as data breaches and unauthorized access. He also underlined the importance of the principles of transparency and accountability in data processing processes, emphasizing that informing individuals about the purposes for which their personal data are used is critical to building trust in digital environments.

Pointing out that higher education institutions bear a special responsibility in data protection due to the extensive and sensitive data sets they possess, Jazayeri stated that, on the occasion of International Data Protection Day, Cyprus International University continues to uphold its commitment to supporting a secure and transparent digital academic environment based on the protection of personal data and respect for privacy.