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Data Summit: Minister Dara Murphy and Government Data Forum announce details of major international event in Dublin

  • - Data Summit, 15-16 June 2017, Convention Centre, Dublin
  • - What the Data Society means for you
  • - Minister launches www.datasummitdublin.ie

Minister of State for Data Protection, Dara Murphy TD, and the Government Data Forum, today announced details of the Data Summit, a major international event, which will take place from 15-16 June in the Convention Centre, Dublin.


Addressing the theme What the Data Society means for you, the Data Summit will be an exciting opportunity to hear leading international, European and Irish speakers debate the economic, social, technical, ethical and cultural issues that arise in the context of a world with total connectivity, from discussions on the future of privacy and trust in the digital age, to how you can manage your own privacy in an online world.
Featuring contributions from thought leaders on key developments in the area of data and data-driven technologies, as well as the latest regulatory information, the Data Summit will also include ‘how-to’ sessions to help organisations prepare for the EU General Data Protection Regulation, which enters into force in May 2018.


Confirmed speakers include Vint Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist, Google; Helen Dixon, Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner; and Stewart Baker, Steptoe & Johnson, Washington and former official in the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency (NSA).

Announcing details of the Data Summit and launching the dedicated website for the event at www.datasummitdublin.ie, Minister Murphy said:

Digital technologies are an increasing feature of modern life and there is little question but that these technologies have transformed our lives for the better, from simple things like being able to check in real-time when the next bus is due, to major developments in healthcare.


“The potential of digital technologies to positively transform our economy and society is enormous and much of this potential is driven by the use of data – from weather and traffic patterns to personalised healthcare and wearable technology.


The Minister added:

As this data-driven society evolves, it is important that we take the time to discuss how we can encourage innovation, maximise this potential and strike the right balance to ensure that privacy and the security of personal data are protected. The Data Summit is about having that very discussion; a far-reaching and inclusive conversation on the ever-expanding role of data in modern society.


In hosting the Summit, the Government Data Forum and I want to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including from business, the research community, civil society and the public to discuss what this all means for businesses, for society and for us as individuals, parents and educators.


He concluded:


We have a fantastic programme of speakers lined up for the event, covering issues as wide-ranging as artificial intelligence and the ethical considerations around personal data, to practical ‘how to’ sessions for businesses and organisations as they prepare for the new EU General Data Protection Regulation, as well as demonstrations for people who would like to get a better understanding of how to manage their own data.

This will be a really exciting discussion and event, and as the Data and Digital Capital of Europe, Ireland is the right location for this important conversation to be happening.


Notes to Editors:
1. Further information about the event is available on the dedicated event website www.datasummitdublin.ie which will be updated as speakers are added to the programme.

2. The Government Data Forum was established by Minister Murphy in July 2015 to advise Government on opportunities and challenges arising from the growth of the digital economy, in particular those arising from continuing growth in the generation and use of personal data. Member of the Forum, which is chaired by the Minister, is drawn from civil society, industry, the public sector and a range of academic disciplines (law, psychology, and sociology). Further information on the Government Data Forum can be found here