As most of you know, the European Data Protection Directive will undergo a substantial review in 2011. Many anticipate it will result in new enforcement powers for data protection authorities and more rights for individuals. Others predict that it may bring some relief for organizations from administrative compliance burdens and result in a more harmonized approach across the continent. Will the companies be required to appoint data protection officers and what their role will be? Whatever the outcome, data privacy and data protection will be top of mind across Europe for the next 14 months and beyond, as the legislative changes start to shape up in each country, too. Its ripples will certainly be felt across borders. The world is watching.
We expect to gain insight into this highly anticipated review at the IAPP Data Protection Congress later this month. There is perhaps no better timing for this first major IAPP Europe event. Aside from the review of the directive, member states are in the throes of implementing the E-Privacy Directive and some, like Germany, are creating new data privacy legislation. These developments and others will be fuel for rich conversations at the congress.
As the field of data protection becomes more complex and higher on both internal corporate agenda and on the global policy stage, more eyes will turn to us, the professionals who immerse ourselves in these important matters, trying to navigate these complexities every day. And as the issues grow in volume and complexity, our positions will grow in importance and prestige. We have an opportunity not only to help shape our organizations, but shape the way we and others work, live and interact every day. It is truly an exciting time to be in the data privacy field, and I cannot wait for what the future is about to bring!
I hope to see you in Paris.
Sincerely,
Bojana Bellamy, LLM
Vice Chairman, IAPP