A Matter of Balance: Privacy in The Era of Rapid Technological Advancement

In the 44^th GPA, we aim to highlight the importance of setting a balance between rapid technological advancements and the right to privacy, which should not be neglected in the face of such developments. Based on these two concepts, we determined the main theme of the 44th GPA as “A Matter of Balance: Privacy in The Era of Rapid Technological Advancement", where many sub-themes will also be discussed. We finalized the Open Session Programme with the recommendations of the esteemed names in the 44th GPA Programme Advisory Committee. In the Open Session, which will be held on 25-26 October 2022 in a hybrid format, we hope to have inspiring sessions as to privacy and data protection matters in the light of current developments, with the presentations of speakers who are expert in their fields and the contribution of participants from various sectors including public & private sectors, academia and NGOs.

I also wish that the Closed Session, which will take place on 27-28 October, will result in reports and decisions that will be pioneers in this field, with the contributions of all our members, including newly joined accredited members and observers.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Faruk BİLİR       
President Commissioner   
Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK), Türkiye

We are overjoyed that for the first time in two years, we will have the opportunity to come together face to face. Our priority this year is to enable our community of member authorities and observers to meet in person to share experiences learned, strategies, and best practices, as well as honing-in on our cooperation and capacity building tools.

The theme of this year´s conference: “A matter of Balance: Privacy in the era of rapid technological advancement” will consider the social implications that current advancements in technology have for human rights, ethics, and legal aspects, as well as technical and economic ones.

We believe that strong privacy and data protection policies will lead to an innovative digital world capable of guaranteeing a world where data can travel freely and with trust. This Conference is an opportunity to build synergies while working towards an environment that provides high standards of data protection, as well as to strengthen our collaboration to ensure a coordinated response to data protection and privacy issues.

We are delighted that our hosts and friends, the Personal Data Protection Authority of Turkey (KVKK) have made this great effort to hold this important event a year earlier than originally planned.

Last, but not least, we offer a very special thank you to Prof. Faruk BİLİR, President Commissioner, and his team for their enormous commitment in making this Assembly a possibility, both in person and virtually.

It will be a pleasure to see you in İstanbul, TÜRKİYE.

INAI       
Chair of the Global Privacy Assembly