Brussels Privacy Symposium

On November 16, 2021, the fifth iteration of the Brussels Privacy Symposium, “The Age of AI Regulation: Global Strategic Directions”, will occur as a virtual international meeting where policymakers, academic researchers, and civil society will discuss how the EU and other jurisdictions around the world envision fostering the deployment of, but also addressing the fundamental rights risks posed by, artificial intelligence (AI) systems through regulation.

The use of AI systems in several sectors of society is seemingly becoming ubiquitous. Media reports on and legal challenges against consumer-, employee- and taxpayer-facing algorithms have shed light on innovative (and often abusive) practices implemented by State and private actors. While some national and regional data protection and sectoral laws already place restrictions on players wishing to use AI-based solutions, legislators are expected to tackle specific challenges brought by such technologies in AI-focused diplomas.

Earlier this year, the European Commission proposed what is regarded as the first comprehensive legal framework for AI systems, which is generally centered around ensuring such systems function properly and with appropriate human oversight. This approach – which also includes prohibiting certain intolerably risky AI practices – may serve as an inspiration for other policy makers in the future. But some others may be planning different approaches to AI regulation, in accordance with their local customs, traditions, legal systems and economic priorities.

In this year’s Brussels Privacy Symposium (which will take place online), leading rulemakers, lawyers, academics and civil society representatives will discuss the merits and potential flaws of the EU’s and other jurisdictions’ approaches to AI regulation, and see whether common global principles exist or need further development.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the crucial role that data collection, analysis, sharing, and dissemination play for governments, academic institutions, and private sector businesses racing to advance research to help contain, mitigate and remedy the disease. It also illustrates that data protection safeguards are essential to build public trust for the swift adoption of data-based solutions that respect fundamental rights. But the effect of privacy and data protection laws on scientific research extends beyond the pandemic and healthcare. The interactions between data protection and research are complex, with privacy and data protection enhancing individuals’ trust and ensuring respect of fundamental rights and ethical standards, while at the same time creating friction for data collection and sharing across organizations and borders. 

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides a tailored framework for processing personal data for research purposes, which allows for differences in implementation at the Member State level and presents questions about the interpretation and implementation of issues such as the scope of research; repurposing personal data – including sensitive data; access of researchers to corporate databases; sharing data across international borders; and the use of data protection enhancing techniques such as key coding and pseudonymization. Other legal frameworks, including emerging US privacy laws, call for the creation of ethical review boards for data research in organizations, including businesses that have not traditionally adhered to ethical standards such as the Common Rule. In this year’s Brussels Privacy Symposium (which will take place online), leading ethicists, scientists, lawyers and policymakers discuss the present and future of data protection in the context of scientific data based research under the GDPR.

On 19 November 2019, the Brussels Privacy Symposium will bring together thought leaders in data protection and privacy law, competition law and regulators from both the EU and the US to discuss the complex issues arising from the intersection of these two areas of law.

Join Symposium Co-chair Dr. Orla Lynskey, Associate Professor at the London School of Economics, and thought leaders in data protection, privacy and competition law, as well as regulators from both the EU and the U.S., to discuss the complex issues arising in a digital economy at the intersection of these two disciplines.

This is a special moment to bring together thought leaders and regulators in data protection and privacy and competition law to discuss the complex issues arising at the intersection of these two areas. A recent decision of the German Competition Authority; the creation of the Digital Clearinghouse hosted by the European Data Protection Supervisor; the recent series of public hearings on competition, consumer protection and privacy hosted by the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S.; the Report on “Competition Policy for the Digital Era” published by the European Commission – these are only some of the core developments shaping a new approach towards digital markets, competitors, and consumers.

The full-day conference will begin with a “boot camp” covering the fundamentals of competition law for data protection professionals.

On 6 November 2017, the Brussels Privacy Symposium will focus on privacy issues surrounding Artifical intelligence. Enhancing efficiency,increasing safety, improving accuracy and reducing negative externalities are just some of AI’s key benefits. However, AI also presents risks of opaque decision making, biased algorithms, security and safety vulnerabilities, and upending labor markets. In particular, AI and machine learning challenge traditional notions of privacy and data protection including individual control, transparency, access and data minimization. On content and social platforms, it can lead to narrowcasting, discrimination, and filter bubbles.

A group of industry leaders recently established a partnership to study and formulate best practices on AI technologies. Last year, the White House issued a report titled Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence and announced a National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan, laying out a strategic vision for federally funded AI research and development. These efforts seek to reconcile the tremendous opportunities that machine learning, human–machine teaming, automation, and algorithmic decision making promise in enhanced safety, efficiency gains, and improvements in quality of life, with the legal and ethical issues that these new capabilities present for democratic institutions, human autonomy, and the very fabric of our society.

On 8 November 2016, the Brussels Privacy Symposium will be hosting an academic workshop on Identifiability: Policy and Practical Solutions for Anonymization and Pseudonymization aims to address the following challenges regarding the de-identification of personal information taking into account its central role in current privacy policy, law, and practice.

There are deep disagreements about the efficacy of de-identification to mitigate privacy risks.  Some critics argue that it is impossible to eliminate privacy harms from publicly released data using de-identification because other available data sets will allow attackers to identify individuals through linkage attacks. Defenders of de-identification counter that despite the theoretical and demonstrated ability to mount such attacks, the likelihood of re-identification for most data sets remains minimal. As a practical matter, they argue most data sets remain securely de-identified based on established techniques.

There is no agreement regarding the technical questions underlying the de-identification debate, nor is there consensus over how best to advance the discussion about the benefits and limits of de-identification.  The growing use of open data holds great promise for individuals and society, but also brings risk. And the need for sound principles governing data release has never been greater.

Selected authors from multiple disciplines including law, computer science, statistics, engineering, social science, ethics and business will present papers at this full-day programme.