We just got back from IAPP Global Privacy Summit 2023, and as one of the event's sponsors, we had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of customers, prospects, and partners. Besides the fantastic opportunity for the extended data privacy community to connect, the conference served as a showcase for MineOS’s very own, Sima the Ostrich.

As we engaged with participants–many holding their own Sima the Ostrich dolls dearly–we noticed several trends and topics dominating discussions, presentations, and workshops. Here are some of the highlights that stood out to us as we explored the privacy landscape at GPS2023:

Privacy regulations continue to evolve

The summit emphasized the importance of keeping up with ever-evolving privacy regulations. As evidenced by the lengthy  California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) amendment process as well as data regulations beginning to pass across Asia, many people noted they felt like they can hardly rest, otherwise they’d fall behind on new legislation and regulatory updates. 

Data breaches remain a significant threat

GPS highlighted the need for organizations to prioritize investing in robust cybersecurity measures and incident response plans to minimize the impact of data breaches, which are statistically happening considerably more often over the past 24 months than previously. 

This includes implementing data encryption, two-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring of network traffic. It is also crucial to have a comprehensive breach response plan in place, which involves identifying the breach, containing the damage, and notifying the affected individuals and regulators as per data regulation requirements.

Artificial intelligence and privacy

‍As AI becomes more prevalent in society, discussions on the ethical use of AI and how it can be used to enhance privacy protections were big features during the conference. There was much talk of the need to balance the benefits of AI with privacy concerns, such as algorithmic bias, unfair discrimination, and the right to explanation. A clever suggestion on how AI and data privacy can balance and enhance one another is AI being used to analyze large data sets for identifying privacy risks and flagging anomalous behavior. 

Privacy and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Multiple speakers and workshops noted the need for organizations to build privacy protections into IoT devices from the outset. This includes implementing data minimization, ensuring secure communication protocols, and providing users with clear and concise privacy notices. It is also crucial to design devices with privacy in mind and provide robust security measures, such as firmware updates and password management.

Privacy by design

‍The concept of privacy by design was, as expected, a recurring theme throughout the summit. The goal is to embed privacy into the DNA of organizations, products, and services, rather than treating it as an afterthought. This includes implementing privacy-enhancing technologies, such as pseudonymization, anonymization, and encryption. It is also essential to conduct privacy impact assessments, privacy audits, and privacy testing to identify and mitigate privacy risks.

All of this will coalesce into safer products and stronger data rights for individuals.

Consumer trust and privacy‍

The summit highlighted the importance of building consumer trust through transparent privacy policies, clear communication, and ethical data practices. This includes providing consumers with choice and control over their personal information, such as the right to access, correct, and delete their data. It is also essential to obtain consumer consent for data collection and processing, as well as provide clear and concise privacy notices with easy opt-outs.

Making privacy a priority

‍As has been the focus in the professional privacy community in recent years, many spoke to the importance and value in prioritizing privacy as a fundamental value rather than a compliance obligation. 

To accomplish this, privacy professionals need to rationalize their cases to gain additional support from security and IT teams. This includes emphasizing the business benefits of privacy, such as building consumer trust, improving brand reputation, and reducing the risk of costly data breaches and regulatory fines. Privacy professionals should also be collaborating with other teams to implement privacy-enhancing technologies, such as data mapping, encryption and pseudonymization, and conduct regular privacy audits and assessments to ensure that privacy protections are working effectively.

MineOS's part in solving these problems

The IAPP Global Privacy Summit 2023 provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of privacy and data protection. We learned a lot from the summit and are so glad we could be a part of it (even if our beloved pink Sima the Ostrich doll was stolen).

After so much face-to-face time with the community, we’re more excited than ever to deliver on every point discussed here. By staying up to date with privacy regulations, investing in cybersecurity measures, designing products and services with privacy in mind, prioritizing transparency and ethical data practices, making privacy a priority, and empowering privacy professionals, organizations can build consumer trust and navigate the complex privacy and internet landscape.

At MineOS, we are committed to providing the tools and solutions that help organizations achieve their privacy and security goals. If you're interested in seeing how MineOS can help your organization, we invite you to book a demo with us to see our products and solutions in action.