Data privacy refers to the right and practices that ensure individuals can control how their personal information is collected, used, stored, and shared by organizations and websites. It involves safeguarding sensitive data - such as names, addresses, financial records, and online activities - from unauthorized access or misuse. Data privacy is essential for protecting individuals from identity theft, fraud, and other risks. Laws and regulations like GDPR and CCPA set standards for how companies must handle personal data, giving users more transparency and control over their information.