Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services
Privacy Compliance
What does Privacy mean at University of California?
In 1972, the People of the State of California voted to include privacy as an inalienable right in Article 1, Section 1, of the California Constitution. Two years shy of the 50th anniversary of this privacy milestone, California continues to lead the nation in thought and action on privacy. 2020 will see several new pieces of privacy legislation go into effect at a time when concern over data breaches, use of data tracking people’s behavior, and biometric surveillance technologies have become part of the national discourse.
The University of California has also long played its own part in privacy thought leadership – in its mission of teaching and research and as stewards of the public trust. Beyond compliance with the law, the University has adopted the UC Statement of Privacy Values (pdf) and the UC Privacy Principles (pdf) to guide its policy development, decision-making, and practices. These values are built on the recognition of the important role privacy plays in academic and intellectual freedom and on respect for members of the University community and our vast extended family.
Fundamentally, privacy is about trust. It is about control over one’s own space and data and the ability to conduct activities without concerns of or actual observation. As a member of the University of California, you need to be able to trust the University with information about yourself. Equally, you need to ensure the University is a trusted partner with others’ information.
Have a question about privacy? Talk to your campus privacy official! See UC Privacy Offices! They can provide you with information about laws and policies, give guidance on how to approach specific situations, or connect you to other campus offices as appropriate. And it’s a two-way street: your privacy official is always looking for good ideas on how to communicate opportunities and risks around privacy.