The Global Privacy and Data Protection Awards are a longstanding initiative of the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) Secretariat, established to recognize and promote outstanding achievements in privacy and data protection across jurisdictions. First inaugurated in 2017 during the 39th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC) in Hong Kong, the awards were created to highlight impactful initiatives, encourage the sharing of best practices, and strengthen cooperation among privacy and data protection authorities worldwide. Following the organization’s rebranding as the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) in 2019, the awards have continued as an annual tradition under the GPA framework.
For the 2026 Global Privacy and Data Protection Awards, the GPA continues its commitment to recognizing excellence in key areas such as education and awareness, innovation, accountability, and enforcement. As the awards continue to grow in visibility and participation, it is important that the governing procedures remain aligned with the GPA’s values of fairness, impartiality, and good governance.
The guidebook below provides the rules and procedures for the 2026 Global Privacy and Data Protection Awards, including eligibility requirements, submission guidelines and timelines, required documents, the evaluation and scoring process, selection of finalists and winners, and public voting for the People’s Choice Award.