As a privacy expert and founder of TeachPrivacy, I know what makes privacy training programs effective. Here’s my take on the key components you need to create a successful privacy training program:
Start Privacy Training with the “Why”
People need to understand why privacy matters. If they don’t care, they won’t pay attention. Always introduce training by explaining:
- Why privacy is important to individuals and society
- The real-world consequences of data privacy violations
- How data privacy incidents can harm customers, the organization, and employees
Make it personal. Share stories of privacy failures and their impacts. Get people to care.
Cover the Basics
Your data privacy training needs to lay the groundwork on privacy fundamentals:
- What counts as personal data
- The need to apply special protection to sensitive data
- Key principles of privacy laws and regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
- Individual privacy rights
- Data protection duties
Don’t assume prior knowledge. Break it down simply.
Focus on Key Principles and Practical Skills
There are too many privacy laws for people to learn each one. Despite the existence of so many different privacy laws, they have common principles. Teach people these principles as well as what they need to know and do to protect privacy.
Tailor Privacy Training Content to Roles
Different employees have different privacy responsibilities. Customize training for:
- IT and security teams
- Marketing teams
- HR and recruiting
- Leadership and executives
Give people the specific knowledge they need for their jobs.
Make it Engaging
Let’s face it – privacy training can be dry. Engage employees with:
- Interactive quizzes and games
- Compelling visuals and infographics
- Video content and animations
- Humor
The more engaging it is, the more people will retain.
Reinforce Regularly
One-and-done training doesn’t cut it. Teams need ongoing reinforcement:
- Short refresher modules
- Privacy tips in company newsletters
- Posters and visual reminders
- Privacy-focused team meetings
- Cartoons
Keep privacy top of mind year-round.
Key Takeaways on Effective Privacy Training:
- Explain why privacy matters to drive engagement
- Cover fundamentals but focus on practical skills
- Tailor content to different roles and responsibilities
- Make training interactive and engaging
- Reinforce key concepts regularly
Creating an effective privacy training program takes work. But it’s worth the effort to build a privacy-aware culture and reduce your risks.
Since its founding by Professor Daniel J. Solove in 2010, TeachPrivacy has provided training for hundreds of organizations, boutique to Fortune 500, both nationwide and globally. A leading international expert in privacy law, Solove is a law professor at George Washington University Law School, has authored more than 10 books and more than 50 articles, as well as given lectures around the world. His LinkedIn blog has more than 1 million followers. Click here for more information about Professor Solove.