On Saturday, October 15, 2016, STCCWC will welcome Cindy Oxenbury to present on privacy issues and protection. This presentation will surely change your mind when it comes to understanding privacy, while providing information on how to make intelligent decisions when it comes to sharing and guarding your personal information.
Cindy is an expert on privacy regulations and helps companies understand how to protect personal information. More than 15 years in the tech sector working with start-ups have given her a broad perspective on privacy issues. She holds an undergrad in Psychology and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. Through her current work, she explores the intersection between technology, law, and human behavior.
We talked to Cindy about her upcoming presentation, as well as why technical writers and the public at large should be more aware of privacy regulations.
What is your talk about? I’ll be talking about the biggest issues in privacy and protection of personal information in today’s world.
What are some of the larger issues involved? High-level pieces will include Internet of Things (IoT), de-identification, and social networking. I’ll also touch on policing and how personal information is being managed.
Why should I care about privacy? Privacy is a fundamental right that is recognized in Canadian law. Each of us has the right to manage, share, and make our own decisions of how our personal information will be used, and whether it benefits us or if it will be sold to someone else. We are increasingly losing control over this right as data becomes more connected, and it’s essential to stay informed.
Do these issues affect technical writers? How? Yes, in two ways. On a personal level because technical writers are also individuals who are in situations of giving away personal information. Also, technical writers can benefit from understanding privacy when it comes to writing professionally. It’s important to understand fundamental principles and frameworks around privacy and this will be especially useful when writing on processes and technology.
What sort of clients do you have? I work primarily with tech companies in healthcare. I also work with public bodies and non-profits.
What exactly do you do for them? I work with teams to develop privacy programs and risk management strategies to ensure that my clients are able to navigate tough conversations with confidence, and speak intelligently about privacy matters with partners, customers, users, and regulators.
Cindy’s presentation begins at 10 am on Saturday, October 15, in the Willms Salon, VSO School of Music (second floor), 843 Seymour Street in downtown Vancouver. Admission is free for STC members, $10 for non-members. Join us for this event by emailing admin@stcwestcoast.ca to register.
Amy Takeda has a Bachelor of Business degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and is completing the technical writing certificate program at BCIT. She plans to specialize in technical documentation for the business, technology, and industrial sectors.