The Faculty of Law, Dr. MGR ERI, Chennai, India organized a two-day National Conference on ‘Data Protection and Security in Digital Governance – Legal Issues and Challenges’ on July 26-27, 2023. The conference brought together experts, legal luminaries, academicians, technocrats, legal professionals, scholars, and students to discuss multidisciplinary issues, including evolving technologies like AI and robotics, data security, digital privacy and encryption, right to information, and invasion of personal privacy online. The event offered both physical and virtual sessions, providing a vibrant platform for engaged discussions and articulation of new ideas around legal implications with technology.
At the packed two-day National conference, Bruce Gustafson, CEO of Developer’s Alliance delivered the inaugural address covering the Global Regulatory Framework for Data and Privacy. Bruce discussed the US landscape around section 230 and content regulation, AI governance, and the steps required by young legal professionals in approaching the technology-legal interface. He addressed the need for thought leaders across the globe to engage in conversations and be participatory in advocating the cause of the developers. He was thrilled to interact with young students who are looking to pursue their careers in policy and law. He further emphasized the work Developers Alliance has been doing over the years in the areas of digital markets, competition and antitrust issues, content, privacy and data regulation. Bruce’s thought-provoking address focused on new tech and software regulation.
Karina Stan, Director of EU Policy, Brussels, delivered the Valedictory address, highlighting the EU’s regulatory landscape and its challenges. She addressed important aspects, such as the latest General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) & EU technological jurisprudence, and recent developments in AI regulation. Karina elaborated on the implications of surveillance technology, regulatory trends, AI regulatory sandbox, and the future of AI regulation within the EU’s scope.
Several students presented papers around data privacy and its application in the Indian context, preserving healthcare privacy with advanced technologies and integrations, managing risk in the information and cyber security domains, and managing data during armed conflicts. As per the current trend, Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance was a highly debatable topic, with international experts providing valuable insights and expertise. The conference aimed to foster a better understanding of the legal challenges posed by the digital era and the need for effective governance, by striking a balance between innovation and accountability – private, public and industry-wide.
