Today’s flow of information knows no borders and so privacy issues are global.
This means that, as data protection authorities, we all need to learn from each other and share our experiences to fulfill our roles with greater effectiveness.
While our cultural contexts differ, we face many common challenges, which is why my international counterparts and I, along with other privacy professionals, will benefit from attending the 33rd International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners.
The theme for this year’s Conference, to be held November 2 and 3 in Mexico City, is “Privacy: The Global Age.” I am looking forward to fascinating plenary discussions on technological advancements, on privacy and security, and on the drivers for data protection laws in Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Our Office will be well represented during concurrent sessions, with Assistant Commissioner Chantal Bernier taking part in one session on enforcement powers and a second session on oversight of privacy at law enforcement agencies; Chief Technologist Bill Wilson chairing a panel on the growing role of technologists within DPAs; while I will be giving a presentation on what binds together the global community of data protection and privacy protection agencies despite the threats, risk and cultural differences. We are also attending pre-conference events earlier in the week, including the annual meeting of the Association francophone des autorités de protection des données.
I encourage all privacy professionals to visit http://www.privacyconference2011.org/index.php?lang=Eng to find out more about the International Conference and hope to see many of you there.