Greetings from Portsmouth, New Hampshire!
Despite these trying times, you can’t help but look at the bright side of things. I’ll be the first to admit that silver linings likely aren’t on the minds of many right now, but I’d be remiss not to throw out a couple of my positive realizations.
First, our physical world has gotten a much-needed break from everyday human activity. While it’s come at a cost of our own sense of normalcy, nature is bursting with new life. I’ve seen a renewed hustle and bustle among wildlife in my immediate area and have heard about instances of cleaner water and air quality in areas that were compromised prior to COVID-19.
Like many of you, I have been glued to my mobile devices during the workday but find myself putting them down almost immediately once work is over. I call it technology or screen fatigue. We’ve all become accustomed to living with our phones within reach and unconsciously using them for no particular reason. These days, I put the phone or laptop in a corner and cook, play dominoes or read. I can say with confidence, it’s a healthy development.
The renewed value of family time, reconnecting with old friends over the phone and general relaxation are among the other positives that stick out for me. What remains to be seen is whether we will be mindful of these positive changes and apply them as we assimilate back into our normal lives — whenever that day inevitably comes.
Now onto the world of privacy, where the IAPP released its "2020 Privacy Tech Vendor Report" this week. Below you’ll find a detailed summary of this year’s report from my colleague Ryan Chiavetta, but I must say, the growth you’ll see is impressive. The first report published in 2017 had 44 entries. This new iteration features more than 300 vendors. Leaves you wondering how dense the report will be three to five years from now as the privacy space continues to blossom.
We’ve also generated some fresh content related to COVID-19. Yesterday we released an infographic outlining the challenges privacy pros are facing with the pandemic while providing relevant links to key knowledge and tools from our Resource Center. Additionally, IAPP Legal Research Fellow Cathy Cosgrove penned a piece discussing privacy issues employers are having to address during these unparalleled times.
Finally, some good news for IAPP certification seekers. We will begin at-home certification testing online beginning next month. Following the silver linings theme, this offering is a great opportunity for those in the process of obtaining a certification or others who have considered getting certified during their newly discovered spare time.
Stay safe and be well, friends.