Privacy Awareness Week runs from 4 – 10 May and is a timely reminder to protect personal information, especially as AI-powered tools become a normal part of how we work and live.

This year’s theme, ‘Smart Tech, Smarter Choices’, highlights that while smart technologies can improve speed and convenience, they can also introduce privacy risks if we’re not clear on what information is collected and how it’s used.

3 quick ways to be privacy smart

1. Pause before you use AI tools (e.g., chatbots or automated transcription). Don’t enter personal, sensitive or confidential information unless you’re authorised and it’s required. Once shared, it can be difficult to remove.
2. Check privacy settings on devices, browsers and social media. Choose the most restrictive options where possible and review app permissions before you agree to share data.
3. Stay alert for unexpected emails, messages or calls. AI can make scams more convincing so stop, verify the request through a trusted channel and avoid clicking unfamiliar links.

For more information about Privacy Awareness Week 2026, visit the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) website.