This year’s conference title, ‘Red Light, Green Light! Reduce Complexity, Increase Speed, Defend EU Values’, drew inspiration from a term used in data protection and cybersecurity to signify compliance or non-compliance. This phrase also echoes the children's game popularised by the Netflix series Squid Game, where the stakes are extremely high – life or death. Similarly, data protection and cybersecurity in law enforcement can have severe, real-world implications for individuals.High-level speakers and keynotesThe opening session featured speakers including:Jürgen Ebner, Deputy Executive Director of Europol, Governance Directorate, who discussed the balance between ensuring security and upholding privacy within Europol's operations. He highlighted the agency’s commitment to adhering to high standards of data protection while protecting European citizens.Angelo Gafà, Maltese Police Commissioner, who welcomed the audience as Maltese representative and introduced his take on the importance of data protection in law enforcement.

Keynote by Angelo Gafà

Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, who provided a broader human rights-focused perspective on the EDEN conference.Wojciech Wiewiorowski, European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), who issued a video statement addressing the crucial role of the EDPS in overseeing compliance and managing the challenges posed by digital transformation and data-driven policing. He advocated for innovative solutions that maintain the balance between privacy and effective law enforcement.Joe Cannataci, Head of the Department of Information Policy and Governance at the University of Malta. He contributed with an academic perspective while building on his experience as first UN Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy.Conference highlightsOver the course of two days, the 180 attendees participated in a variety of panels and discussions that delved into crucial subjects. These included data retention in law enforcement, the intersection of privacy and human rights in the era of artificial intelligence, and the role of data protection officers in ethical policing. Additionally, the programme explored the future of facial recognition technology and AI in law enforcement, as well as the tension between disinformation, digital sovereignty and free speech. The conference also examined the use of surveillance technologies in the fight against atrocities. frameborder="0"Defending fundamental rights in the digital eraWith participation from key European institutions, national authorities and academia, the 15th EDEN conference once again aimed to strengthen cooperation between data protection experts and law enforcement agencies. Discussions focused on how to streamline processes, increase operational speed and maintain the highest standards of data protection, which is crucial in defending the values of the European Union.About EDENThe Europol Data Protection Experts Network (EDEN) provides a platform for dialogue between law enforcement, data protection authorities, academia, NGOs and industry, promoting the exchange of knowledge, best practices and research on privacy and cybersecurity in policing.About ERAThe Academy of European Law (ERA) is a leading provider of training and knowledge exchange for legal professionals throughout Europe, fostering understanding and implementation of EU law.The photo of Maltese Police Commissioner, Angelo Gafà, was updated following publication.

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