Microsoft supports local conference on data protection

The proposed new EU General Data Protection Regulation aims at bringing current data protection legislation in line with recent technological developments. 

But will the strengthening of concepts such as the right to be forgotten, data portability, privacy by design and privacy by default inhibit technological innovation? Moreover, are our businesses ready for this new privacy landscape where the data subject will take centre stage? Will the new Regulation succeed in raising our appreciation for data privacy?

These will be the main topics discussed during a half day information seminar hosted by the Malta IT Law Association with the main theme being “Data Protection At A Crossroads: Re-inventing Wheels Or Chasing Windmills?”

This seminar is being sponsored by Microsoft Malta and its aim will be to provide an update on the latest legislative proposals as well as to discuss the impact that the proposed Regulation will have on current data protection practices.

“Data protection, privacy, the cloud and intellectual property issues are subjects which are being widely discussed especially at an age where businesses and whole economies are being drawn towards the cloud.

"Up until a few years ago, one would upload the information or data that he needs from his own computer, today, with cloud technology, people are accessing their data which although personal, is no longer stored exclusively on their personal computer but on outside servers, many times not even in their own country.

"This and many other circumstances are giving rise to important implications that need to be tackled even from a legal perspective. This is what we will be doing during next week’s seminar,” said Antonio Ghio, President of the Malta IT Law Association.

“As prime promoters of cloud technology, we are delighted to be supporting this conference which promises to be a very important opportunity for all those who for professional or business reasons are concerned about cloud technology and the levels of privacy which it offers,” said Kevin Schembri, SMS&P Manager from Microsoft Malta, sponsors of the conference.

“We have always been at the forefront to promote this new technology which not only has created new levels in efficiencies but has also brought new opportunities, created new business and generated new jobs whilst safeguarding privacy and security.

"Our support to this event also stems from the fact that earlier this month, Microsoft adopted ISO27018 certification of its Office 365 and Azure cloud-based products. This new standard for cloud privacy commits us to protect the privacy of customers' data, not to use it for advertisement purposes, and to inform the customer of legal requests for personal data,” added Kevin Schembri.

Helena Dalli, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, shall open the seminar and will be followed by a lineup of distinguished speakers.

The first session will be addressed by Bruno Gencarelli, Head of the Data Protection Unit, European Commission, DG Justice who will address the theme “The long and winding road towards the new General Data Protection". The second session will deal with a very topical subject namely “Privacy in the Cloud – Building Trust” and will be led by Dr. Remco Hendrikse, Commercial Attorney at Microsoft CEE.

The third session will be addressed by Prof. Joseph Cannataci (Head, Department of Information Policy & Governance, University of Malta. Chair in European Information Policy & Technology Law, University of Groningen) and will discuss whether the Data Protection reform package has gone far enough.

The last session will be led by Malta's Information & Data Protection Commissioner, Mr. Saviour Cachia and will be in the form of an interactive Q&A with the public.

Event tickets are a €15 for MITLA members, €25 for students who are not MITLA members (price includes one year membership as well as conference access) and €50 for individuals who are not MITLA members (the price includes one year membership as well as conference access).  

You can secure your place at the event by visiting: http://www.mitla.org.mt/conference