STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, the Empire State is a national leader and an example of effectiveness in consumer advocacy and protection, and in today’s world of advanced technology which offers increased accessibility to records and other information resources, there is increased concern regarding data privacy and security issues that affect consumers, businesses, e-commerce, healthcare, educational institutions, government and other entities across our great State; and

Whereas, data security breaches that render people vulnerable to identity theft have left more than 100 million Americans at risk according to a December 2006 report by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; in 2008, the Clearinghouse reported that more than 1,000 breaches affected over 236 million records containing sensitive personal information nationally, and the New York State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination (CSCIC) reports that 547 breaches occurred, impacting 2,044,254 records of New York State residents – all of which underscores the need for heightened vigilance and action; and

Whereas, New York State ranks sixth per capita in the Nation for identity theft, with a greater incidence of this crime than most other States, and in light of growing concerns over this problem, it would benefit New Yorkers and the general American public to become more aware about data privacy issues through a national and statewide effort; and

Whereas, many consumers are unaware of data protection and privacy laws generally, and more specifically, new State laws that help protect personal identifiable information and information privacy both online and in the general course of commerce; resources available through State Agencies such as CSCIC, the Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (CIO/OFT), the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) – combined with the daily efforts of these and other State Agencies – help prevent and mitigate the affects of data and privacy breaches on a daily basis; and

Whereas, government officials from the United States and Europe, privacy professionals, academics, legal scholars, representatives of international businesses, and others concerned with data privacy issues are working together to further the discussion about data privacy and protection through the commemoration of National Data Privacy Day; and

Whereas, New York State is promoting data privacy awareness through various activities, initiatives and resources to educate the public about data breach and identity theft prevention and other efforts to provide assistance to identity theft victims through the CPB’s Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program and the OAG, as well as through collaboration among the State Agencies listed above in conjunction with law enforcement authorities and business community representatives;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, hereby proclaim January 28, 2009 as

DATA PRIVACY DAY

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-sixth day of January in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor