A Glimpse into the 9th Data Privacy & Protection Conference in Athens, Greece
Aug 22, 2024
The 9th Data Privacy & Protection Conference held on May 28th 2024 in Athens, Greece, was a landmark event that brought together leading minds in privacy, data protection, and emerging technologies. Hosted by BOUSSIAS Events, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the field of data privacy, with a special focus on the intersection of privacy and technology, particularly the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). At the heart of the conference was the issue of leveraging privacy as a tool for innovation and a catalyst for progress and development in a rapidly changing business environment.
With the participation of distinguished Greek and international speakers who shape developments in the field of privacy both domestically and globally, this Conference mapped out all the latest trends and news in the field of privacy, analyzing the interaction between data protection and new technologies.
Here are some of my highlights from the event and key takeaways:
Conference Highlights!
Highlight no. 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation in Privacy
A standout highlight of the 9th Data Privacy & Protection Conference was the exceptional organization and warm welcome provided by Alexandra Varla, Legal Designer & Business Lawyer, Founder of Mindre, Hear of LAWYER Magazine and Founder Tailored. Her opening words set a high standard for the event, reflecting both professionalism and passion. Alexandra’s welcoming speech was a testament to the conference's commitment to excellence, creating a solid foundation for an inspiring and impactful gathering.
The conference opened with a series of academic presentations and practitioner insights that set the stage for deep discussions on the evolving landscape of data privacy. A major focus of the conference was the new AI Act and its implications for data privacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role that privacy will play as a tool for innovation and a catalyst for progress in a rapidly evolving business environment. The panelists shared insights on how the AI Act is shaping the future of privacy, cybersecurity, and user protection, offering attendees a glimpse into the regulatory challenges and opportunities ahead.
Cybersecurity was another key theme, with sessions dedicated to exploring the latest strategies for protecting against cyber threats. The speakers provided practical advice on how to enhance cybersecurity measures and safeguard personal data in an increasingly digital world. This segment of the conference was particularly relevant given the rise in cyber-attacks and the growing need for robust data protection frameworks.
As the GDPR reaches its sixth year of implementation, the conference provided a platform to reflect on its impact and evolution. The speakers shared best practices, enforcement mechanisms, and ongoing concerns, offering attendees practical insights into how to navigate the complexities of GDPR compliance. The emphasis on international data transfers and cooperation highlighted the global nature of data privacy challenges.
Highlight no. 2: A Legal Design Approach to Becoming a Privacy Hero
A standout highlight of the event was the interactive keynote by Tessa Manuello (yours truly) on legal design. The keynote kicked off with an energetic start, featuring music and clapping to the iconic song "Heroes" by David Bowie, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on how legal design can drive innovation and empower businesses to navigate complex legal landscapes with creativity and confidence.
It was an honor to be part of a fireside chat with Sarah Sheehan, a Legal Design Practitioner & Evangelist who traveled from Oxford (UK) for the occasion. The highlight of this fireside chat was undoubtedly Sarah's journey, where she shared her experiences and insights on navigating the complexities of data privacy in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Her compelling narrative, filled with real-world examples and practical advice, resonated deeply with the audience, offering valuable lessons on how to stay ahead in the ever-changing field of privacy and data protection. Witnessing Sarah’s journey who reinvented herself as a legal practitioner on the verge of retirement and decided to fully embrace a fresh, innovative approach—was particularly inspiring.
Highlight no. 3: Fighting Dark Patterns
Additionally, the conference spotlighted the crucial issue of fighting dark patterns in digital environments. Dark patterns are design strategies that manipulate user behavior online and the topic was addressed with great urgency by Marie Potel-Saville, founder of Amurabi - legal design agency - and Fair Patterns. This approach not only tackles the challenge of deceptive practices but also advocates for clear, user-centric design principles that enhance compliance and communication. The discussion on integrating these principles into legal and regulatory frameworks added significant value to the conference, highlighting the importance of ethical and effective design in protecting user rights.
Discussions focused on the importance of transparency in digital environments and the ethical responsibilities of designers and companies to protect users thanks to a through-provoking and enriching presentation. Transparency in digital environments is essential for building trust and protecting users and the presentation on dark patterns and ethical design underscored the importance of designing with integrity and prioritizing user protection in the digital age.
Looking Ahead!
Reflecting on the success of this year's conference, it's clear that the 9th Data Privacy & Protection Conference has set a high bar for future events in the field. The combination of insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and excellent organization made for an unforgettable experience. A special thanks to Alexandra Varla for her brilliant introduction and exceptional event management skills.
As we look forward to next year's conference, there is great anticipation for continued discussions on the evolving landscape of data privacy and the role of innovation in shaping its future. Stay tuned for more updates and reflections on the latest developments in legal design and data privacy.
Find out more here: dataprivacy.gr π
