Employee Privacy Training

What Privacy Laws and Regulations Should be Covered in Employee Training?

TeachPrivacy

Why Privacy Training Matters

Privacy training is critical for every organization handling personal data. As the founder of TeachPrivacy, I’ve seen how proper training can transform an organization’s privacy practices. Here’s why it’s so important:

  • Prevents costly data breaches
  • Ensures regulatory compliance
  • Builds customer trust
  • Creates a culture of privacy

Now let’s dive into the key laws and regulations your employee training should cover.

data privacy training

HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules

If you’re in healthcare or handle protected health information, HIPAA is non-negotiable. Your training needs to cover:

  • What qualifies as protected health information (PHI)
  • Proper safeguards for PHI
  • Patient rights regarding their health data
  • Breach notification requirements

I always emphasize the “minimum necessary” principle – limit PHI access and use to what’s required for job functions. Many overlook this core HIPAA concept.

State Data Breach Laws

All 50 states now have data breach notification laws. Your team should know:

  • What constitutes a data breach in your state(s)
  • Notification timelines and requirements
  • Steps to take if they suspect a breach

This section of privacy training should be tailored to the specific states where you operate.

CCPA and Other State Privacy Laws

California’s privacy law impacts many businesses nationwide. Cover these basics:

  • Consumer rights (access, deletion, opt-out of data sales)
  • Notice requirements
  • Data inventory and mapping

Many other states like Virginia and Colorado have similar laws now. Stay on top of new state laws that may affect you.

Workplace Privacy Laws

Don’t forget laws governing employee privacy:

  • Limits on monitoring employee communications
  • Proper handling of personnel files and medical information
  • Social media privacy protections in some states

Employees have privacy rights too – it’s not just about customer data.

Industry-Specific Regulations

Depending on your field, you may need to cover:

  • GLBA for financial institutions
  • FERPA for educational institutions
  • COPPA for sites/apps targeting children

This section of privacy training should apply to your specific industry requirements.

General Privacy Principles

Beyond specific laws, instill these core concepts:

  • Data minimization – only collect what you need
  • Purpose limitation – only use data for stated purposes
  • Data security – encryption, access controls, etc.
  • Transparency – clear privacy notices and consent

These principles apply to most privacy laws and regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • Focus on laws relevant to your industry and locations
  • Cover both customer and employee privacy rights
  • Emphasize practical application, not just theory
  • Keep training updated as laws evolve
  • Make it engaging with real-world examples
    Prof. Daniel Solove
    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.