Two events in recent weeks have garnered much attention in data privacy and protection circles.

The e-G8 Forum in Paris last month showcased the unprecedented attention being paid to data privacy at the highest levels. French President Nicolas Sarkozy created the e-G8 as a prelude event to Group of Eight Summit, with the aim of bringing data privacy and other information technology matters to the attention of heads of state. The world's largest Internet companies, global thought-leaders and regulators were there, as was the IAPP. Much of the discussion and debate centered around themes readers of this and other IAPP newsletters are well familiar with--the struggle to protect Internet users without stifling Internet use.

It is too soon to know what will come of this first-ever forum; but certainly we can say that data protection and privacy matters have reached a new pinnacle. 

Another event--World IPv6 Day--served as a kickoff for the next-generation Internet address protocol. IPv6 comes as more and more people connect more and more devices to the Internet. It will replace the current protocol--IPv4--which is running out of unique IP addresses.

This month, hundreds of companies began testing IPv6. The protocol is expected to enable the labeling of every device that connects to the Internet, and as some regulators have begun to deem IP addresses as personal data, this could have big repercussions. Some have gone so far to suggest that the ability that IPv6 will have to profile users may necessitate a rethink on privacy legislation.

We will explore IPv6 in greater detail in a future edition of Inside 1to1: PRIVACY. Meanwhile, I hope you find this month's articles useful to your work. 

Sincerely,

J. Trevor Hughes, CIPP

President & CEO, IAPP