Citing recent news coverage surrounding the United Nations’ increased focus on digital security, John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation’s leading recycler of electronic waste, has issued a public statement encouraging businesses, government agencies and consumers to consider the importance of keeping their digital data private.

A recent Computerworld article reported that the Human Rights Council of the United Nations has gone as far as voting in favor of a resolution backed by Germany and Brazil to appoint an independent watchdog to specifically monitor privacy rights in the digital age.

“That the United Nations is now treating digital security and privacy as a hot-button issue is a clear warning sign that we all need to take the matter very seriously,” said Shegrian. “Be it smartphones, consumer or business laptops, hard drives or even technology being used by defense contractors and the government, technology today is far too vulnerable to the attacks of cyber thieves. Properly recycling all old and unwanted items – no matter who you are – is vitally important for so many reasons. Our digital security, our environment and the reliability of the new devices we purchase all rest in the balance of us recycling the right way.”

“With the many wonderful advancements in technology, there is very fast turnover when it comes to electronic devices,” Shegerian added. “There’s no reason for us not to enjoy and benefit from these innovations, but the key is for everyone to remember to properly recycle all old and unwanted items at the end of their lifecycles. This final step in the life of a consumer electronic device is crucial for the sake of our personal digital security and our environment. Recycling the right way – with a certified recycling company you can trust – is more important than ever.”

Shegerian added that ERI currently provides the only nationwide solution offering 100% guaranteed data destruction for consumer electronics devices and e-waste.