{"id":17468,"date":"2025-05-22T13:06:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T11:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dp-institute.eu\/?p=17468"},"modified":"2025-06-18T14:00:35","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T12:00:35","slug":"dpo-track-cpdp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dp-institute.eu\/en\/dpo-track-cpdp\/","title":{"rendered":"CPDP 2025: First-Ever DPO track sets a new benchmark for privacy leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"
Brussels, May 22nd \u2013 A Strategic Reset for Data Protection Officers, DPA’s and scholars<\/em><\/p>\n On May 22, the CPDP Conference in Brussels made history with the successful launch of its first-ever DPO Track<\/strong>, 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\u2019s digital and regulatory landscape.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n One of the most impactful takeaways from the day was a renewed understanding of the DPO as a strategic investment<\/strong>, not just a compliance requirement. The opening panel, “The Economic Benefits of Having a DPO<\/em>,” featured fresh research and case studies demonstrating how DPOs can drive tangible business value\u2014improving risk management, bolstering brand trust, and strengthening internal governance. Attendees walked away with data-backed arguments to elevate the DPO\u2019s standing within their organizations.<\/p>\n Watch the panel here: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oNrw3nrVq6s<\/p>\n The panel \u201cThe DPO Universales: Crossing Borders on a Bumpy Road<\/em><\/a>\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Read a reflection of one of the panelists, Marjolein Louwerse<\/a>.<\/p>\n In one of the most highly rated sessions of the day, the workshop \u201cBuilding Internal AI Governance: Challenges, Models, and Privacy Insights<\/em>\u201d gave DPOs hands-on exposure to practical frameworks for aligning AI development with privacy obligations. Participants shared real-world challenges\u2014from defining governance roles to integrating impact assessments\u2014while also learning from peers who have already begun operationalizing AI governance in complex environments.<\/p>\n The full description of the workshop can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a rare and valuable format, the \u201cDPO Meets DPA<\/em>\u201d 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<\/p>\n clarify expectations and uncovered opportunities for stronger collaboration. Many participants praised the format for encouraging candid conversations that don\u2019t often happen in more formal settings.<\/p>\n If you’d like to have a view on the topics of the workshop, read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you would like to read more on the audit tool or download it, visit the webpage of the EDPB<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Economic Benefits of Having a DPO<\/h2>\n
Legal fragmentation of the DPO role, position, and liability.<\/h2>\n
From AI Policy to Practice<\/h2>\n
Building Bridges: DPOs and Regulators in Dialogue<\/h2>\n
Cookies, Trackers, and Tools<\/h2>\n
Law Enforcement and Ethical Boundaries<\/h2>\n