A FUTURIST, the Kenyan data protection commissioner and the president and chief executive of the International Association of Privacy Professionals are among the speakers confirmed for an international conference taking place in the Island next month.
The Global Privacy Assembly annual meeting will come to Jersey for the first time this year, something which information commissioner Paul Vane, whose office is organising the event, said was “hugely exciting” and a “great opportunity” for the Island.
“It is a huge deal for Jersey to host this conference,” he said. “Not only will we have some of the world leaders in data protection and privacy on our soil, giving local businesses a great opportunity to hear from and network with them, but it is also a great opportunity to showcase Jersey and all its beauty.”
Focusing on the eight pillars of individuals, innovation, information, integrity, independence, international, intercultural and indigenous – collectively known as “the power of I” – the conference will look at the perception, and application, of privacy among different cultures as well as whether there should, or ever could be, one universal standard for data protection.
Helping to tackle these issues will be keynote speakers Nikolas Badminton, the chief futurist at futurist.com, as well as JEP columnist, bestselling author and Hall of Fame speaker Douglas Kruger, who Mr Vane said would “look at the human perspective of data protection”.
Also taking to the stage during the week will be Trevor Hughes, the chief executive of the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and Kenya data commissioner Immaculate Kassait, who will talk about the indigenous and intercultural aspects of data protection in Africa.
Academics also feature on the programme, with Bournemouth University professor of IT ethics and digital rights Andy Phippen and Dame Wendy Hall, the regius professor of computer science at the University of Southampton and a non-executive director of Digital Jersey also confirmed.
While further speakers and attendees are due to be announced over the next few weeks, Mr Vane added that around 60 commissioners from around the world, as well as representatives from “some of the biggest global technology firms”, had already secured their places.
The Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner won the bid to host the conference following a vote by members of the Global Privacy Assembly.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Vane said: “I am honoured and extremely proud that my office, and our Island, has been selected to host the Global Privacy Assembly Meeting for 2024. While this is primarily a data protection and privacy conference, this is a real opportunity to showcase Jersey and everything our Island has to offer.
“This annual meeting brings together all 138 data protection authorities around the world to discuss major issues impacting privacy and data protection. It is a huge honour for both the JOIC and the Island, and we are now working hard to ensure the event not only delivers success to attendees in terms of relevant and stimulating content but also provides a platform to show Jersey at its best in terms of its beauty as a unique place and what it can offer to the world in terms of innovation, expertise and its renowned regulatory landscape.”
The decision was also welcomed by Economic Development Minster Kirsten Morel, who said: “In today’s interconnected world, where technology is constantly changing, safeguarding personal information and data privacy is not just a legal requirement, it’s an essential measure.
“The Global Privacy Assembly has been the premier global forum for data protection and privacy authorities for more than four decades, and welcoming them to Jersey will not only promote the Island as a visitor destination but also give us association with excellence.
“By hosting the conference, JOIC is demonstrating not only its commitment to fostering the very highest standards of data protection for Islanders but also enabling a global conversation around its future.”
The conference will take place from 28 October to 1 November 2024 and the full schedule can be seen at gpajersey.com.
lA full interview with Paul Vane is on pages 40 and 41.
