Date
22.05.2025
Brussels, May 22nd – A Strategic Reset for Data Protection Officers, DPA’s and scholars
On May 22, the CPDP Conference in Brussels made history with the successful launch of its first-ever DPO Track, a full-day program dedicated to the evolving role of the Data Protection Officer. The track offered an energizing mix of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities that addressed the DPO role’s growing complexity and strategic importance in today’s digital and regulatory landscape.
Designed for privacy professionals navigating global compliance, AI governance, and organizational accountability, the DPO Track delivered practical insights and inspired deeper reflection on the profession’s transformation.
The Economic Benefits of Having a DPO
One of the most impactful takeaways from the day was a renewed understanding of the DPO as a strategic investment, not just a compliance requirement. The opening panel, “The Economic Benefits of Having a DPO,” featured fresh research and case studies demonstrating how DPOs can drive tangible business value—improving risk management, bolstering brand trust, and strengthening internal governance. Attendees walked away with data-backed arguments to elevate the DPO’s standing within their organizations.
Watch the panel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNrw3nrVq6s
Legal fragmentation of the DPO role, position, and liability.
The panel “The DPO Universales: Crossing Borders on a Bumpy Road” shed light on the fragmented legal realities DPOs face when operating across jurisdictions. From varying degrees of independence to differing liability regimes, speakers explored the legal and operational implications for multinational organizations. The lively discussion underscored the need for harmonized guidance and better cross-border coordination.
Read a reflection of one of the panelists, Marjolein Louwerse.
From AI Policy to Practice
In one of the most highly rated sessions of the day, the workshop “Building Internal AI Governance: Challenges, Models, and Privacy Insights” gave DPOs hands-on exposure to practical frameworks for aligning AI development with privacy obligations. Participants shared real-world challenges—from defining governance roles to integrating impact assessments—while also learning from peers who have already begun operationalizing AI governance in complex environments.
The full description of the workshop can be found here.
Building Bridges: DPOs and Regulators in Dialogue
In a rare and valuable format, the “DPO Meets DPA” workshop, organized by VTC (Flemish DPA), brought together DPOs and data protection authorities in small working groups to discuss their often-misunderstood relationship. The open dialogue helped
clarify expectations and uncovered opportunities for stronger collaboration. Many participants praised the format for encouraging candid conversations that don’t often happen in more formal settings.
If you’d like to have a view on the topics of the workshop, read more here.
Cookies, Trackers, and Tools
For those looking to boost hands-on compliance, the workshop on the EDPB Website Auditing Tool offered a practical guide to cookie compliance. Attendees got a step-by-step walkthrough of the tool and had the chance to apply it in real time, many leaving with actionable insights and templates they could immediately bring back to their teams.
If you would like to read more on the audit tool or download it, visit the webpage of the EDPB.
Law Enforcement and Ethical Boundaries
The final panel of the day, “Data Protection for European Law Enforcement,” brought together experts from Europol, CERN, and national police forces to explore how DPOs can maintain accountability in the use of emerging surveillance technologies. The discussion navigated the legal, technical, and ethical tensions inherent in law enforcement settings, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at privacy in high-stakes environments.
For those who want more info on law enforcement and data protection, connect to the EDEN conference
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
The DPO Track at CPDP 2025 proved to be much more than a series of sessions—it was a strategic reset for DPOs and privacy leaders across sectors. Attendees left energized, better equipped to handle the challenges ahead, and more connected to a growing community of professionals driving forward the data protection agenda.
As the privacy landscape continues to evolve, CPDP’s DPO Track has laid a strong foundation for future collaboration, innovation, and recognition of the DPO as a pivotal role in any organization.
Date
22.05.2025
