At the upcoming ETIS Data Privacy Task Force meeting, hosted at Hrvatski Telekom's headquarters in Zagreb, DPOs and privacy professionals from telecom operators and providers across the ETIS community will come together for two days of in-depth discussions and knowledge-sharing.


This event is a unique opportunity for peers to meet in a supportive environment, tackling shared challenges around the Data Act, AI risk assessments, GDPR, sustainability, and marketing practices (detailed agenda can be found below).


The meeting will include a mix of interactive roundtables and presentations were all participants are encouraged to prepare and actively participate. We aim for an open exchange where telecom privacy experts can share real-world insights, learn from one another, and bring fresh ideas back to their teams. It's a space to connect with like-minded professionals, explore the evolving landscape of data privacy, and work together toward practical solutions that benefit both our industry and our customers.


In addition to the discussions, participants will enjoy an evening city tour and dinner aimed to foster the community spirit outside of the meeting room.


Accommodation -> Additional details, including pricing and booking links, will follow soon!:

  • Our top recommendation is the Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb, conveniently located in the same building as Hrvatski Telekom's HQ.
  • For alternative options, based on proximity to the event, affordability, and quality, we recommend: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Sheraton Zagreb, The Westin Zagreb, and Zonar Zagreb.

Logistics and other important information:

  • Costs: Please note that while the event is free to attend, accommodation and travel costs will be covered by each participant's company. Recommendations for accommodations will be also soon provided.
  • Weather: The average daytime temperature ranges from 1°C to 5°C, while night time lows can drop to around -3°C to -5°C. Snowfall and frost are common, so it's advisable to dress warmly.
  • Registration: To confirm your participation, please complete your registration using the button above. If you intend to attend but are awaiting internal approvals please already register and let us know of the situation in the comments section. This will help us accurately track attendees and ensure the meeting proceeds as scheduled.
  • Group Participation: If your organization plans to send more than two experts please let us know. We want to prioritize operator diversity and ensure sufficient space for all participants.
  • Agenda and preparation: The draft agenda is available below. Please expect small adjutments. As our meeting flourish through mutual knowledge, each participant is expected to contribute to the sessions where they have insights.
  • Confidentiality: By attending the meeting, you agree to adhere to the ETIS confidentiality guidelines (available in the documents section below).

For any inquiries regarding the meeting, feel free to reach out to Ruxandra Cioban (rc@etis.org). We are here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.


To see the detailed draft agenda please scroll down - a pdf version is also available in the Document section below.


We look forward to seeing you in Zagreb for a meaningful dialogue shaping the future of privacy in telecom.

Agenda

09

00

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09

30

Welcome and Introductions

Overview of the two-day program, followed by a roundtable of introductions and a short discussion on the main topics to be covered during the meeting. Any last-minute adjustments to the agenda can be made to ensure all priorities are addressed.

09

30

-

11

00

Session I: Data Act (impact and interpretation)

The Data Act is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at fostering innovation and competition in the digital economy by ensuring the availability and reusability of data. For telecom industries, this act presents both opportunities and challenges.

The discussion could delve into how the Data Act impacts data sharing practices, the balance between data privacy and accessibility, and the implications for data-driven business models. We could explore in more detail the regulatory landscape, compliance requirements, and the strategic importance of interpreting the act correctly to leverage data assets while adhering to European legal standards.

The session will include a presentation (30 min) followed by an open discussion (one hour).

11

00

-

11

15

11

15

-

13

00

Session II: AI update–how companies implement the measures to comply with AI Act (how you do the risk assessment)

The AI Act is a ground breaking regulation that sets out strict guidelines for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence systems, ensuring they are used responsibly and ethically.
This discussion should focus on how telecom companies are adapting to these regulations by implementing robust compliance measures.

This session will include one presentation (30 minutes) followed by an open discussion (one hour and 15 minutes).

13

00

-

14

00

14

00

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15

00

Session III: Sustainability and GDPR requirement - companies to share the approach on how they handle the questions (roundtable)

In an era where sustainability and data privacy are paramount, telecom companies face the dual challenge of meeting GDPR requirements while advancing their sustainability goals. This roundtable discussion invites participants to share their strategies and best practices for handling these critical issues.

Topics include the integration of sustainable practices into data management processes, ensuring GDPR compliance in eco-friendly initiatives, and balancing environmental responsibilities with data protection obligations. Participants are to exchange insights on sustainable data storage solutions, energy-efficient technologies, and the implementation of privacy-by-design principles.

This collaborative session aims to foster an open dialogue on overcoming the complexities of aligning sustainability efforts with stringent data privacy regulations, ultimately striving for a more responsible and compliant telecom industry.

15

00

-

15

15

15

45

-

16

30

Day One Open topics and follow ups

A buffer aiming to tackle all follow up questions and topics emerging from the day 1 discussions.

16

30

-

17

30

09

30

-

12

30

Session IV: Marketing activities (cookies, Pay or Okay) - How long do consents remain valid?

Navigating the complexities of digital marketing in the telecom industry requires a clear understanding of consent management, particularly regarding cookies and the "Pay or Okay" model.

This session will explore the duration and validity of user consents under current regulations.
Key discussions should include best practices for obtaining and renewing user consent, the legal implications of consent expiration, and how to ensure transparency and compliance in marketing strategies.

Participants will examine the lifecycle of consent, from initial collection to periodic renewals, and discuss the technical and legal mechanisms to manage user preferences effectively. The goal is to provide telecom companies with actionable insights into maintaining valid consents, enhancing user trust, and optimizing marketing activities within the regulatory framework.

This session will consist of one or a few presentations (one hour), followed by an open discussion (one hour).

12

30

-

13

30

13

30

-

15

00

Session V: Topic TBD - Please share your suggestions!

This session has been intentionally left open to accommodate participants' preferences. We encourage you to propose both topics and objectives you'd like to address!

Please send your suggestions to Ruxandra at rc@etis.org by November 1st, 2024. We will review all submissions and select the topics and goals that reflect the most common interests, ensuring the session is both relevant and productive for all participants.

We’ll do our best to include your input and tailor the agenda to meet shared objectives!

15

00

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15

15

15

15

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16

00

Wrap-up Session

The session will include a recap of key takeaways, reflections on the sessions, and highlights of any topics not yet covered, which will be addressed in future group activities. Additionally, feedback will be collected to help shape upcoming events.

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