By David Young-
In the wake of several high-profile data breaches involving police forces, the annual Data Protection Practitioners’ Conference, hosted by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), is set to take place next week, providing a timely platform to address pressing data protection challenges.
The ICO recognizes that the law enforcement sector, like many others, faces significant data protection hurdles, including cybersecurity threats, managing Freedom of Information (FoI) requests, and addressing the repercussions of inappropriate data disclosures.
A spokesperson for the ICO emphasized the conference’s relevance, stating, “The free, digital Data Protection Practitioners’ Conference addresses these issues and offers practical advice straight from the regulator’s mouth.”
Scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, this year’s conference will feature keynote speakers, informative panel sessions, and practical workshops designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools to navigate complex data protection issues.
The workshops, led by ICO experts, will cover a wide range of topics, including best practices for handling FoI requests and achieving a delicate balance between transparency and empathy when managing complaints. Additionally, the conference will dedicate expert panels and workshops to the critical subject of cybersecurity.
One of the panel discussions will focus on the importance of good FoI practice and delve into areas such as organizational culture and request-handling techniques. It will also highlight the invaluable work being carried out by the ICO’s “upstream team” to provide essential tools and assistance in this area.
Another session will spotlight the ICO’s resources related to data sharing, including the data sharing code of practice.
Attendees can expect to explore data sharing case studies that illustrate how personal information can be effectively shared in a manner that is both confidential and proportionate.
As data protection continues to be a paramount concern in various sectors, including law enforcement, events like the Data Protection Practitioners’ Conference play a vital role in educating and equipping professionals to safeguard individuals’ personal information.
The ICO remains committed to promoting responsible data handling practices and ensuring that organizations meet their data protection obligations. For more details about the conference and its workshops, please visit ICO’s Data Protection Practitioners’ Conference.
To register for the conference, interested participants can visit DPPC23 Registration.