On 24 May, a panel of the 2023 Computers, Privacy and Data Protection International Conference (known as “CPDP”) was dedicated to the changes that Convention 108+ will bring when in force, which is expected sometime in 2024.

It was moderated by Peter Kimpian, from the Data Protection Unit of the Council of Europe and the Secretariat of Convention 108 Committee, and gathered high level speakers from the Data Protection and privacy international sphere, such as Bruno Giancarelli (Deputy Director for Fundamentals Rights and the Rule of Law, Head of the International Data Flows and Protection unit at the European Commission), Alex Joel (a Senior Project Director and Resident Adjunct Professor at the American University Washington College of Law), Tamar Kaldani (Senior data protection expert, and former Data Protection Commissioner of Georgia) and Juliana Muller (Head of International and Institutional relations of the Brazilian National Data Protection Authority).

The ratification of the Protocol CETS No 223 amending Convention 108 remains the top priority for the 55 state parties of Convention 108. It is also supported by the European Commission, which is advocating at the highest level for its quick entry into force as Convention 108/108+ remains the reference framework for the protection of privacy and personal data in the digital age. Convention 108+ contributes to the convergence of privacy regimes around the globe, which will inevitably intensify once the instrument comes into force. With this modern(ised) and robust multilateral instrument new possibilities will be opened to further strengthen the protection of privacy and personal data of individuals based on commonly agreeable and adaptable standards and provisions.

The panel addressed the following topics:

• Will the entry into force of the amending Protocol change anything at all?
• Will the modernised Convention 108 be able to deliver its promises?
• Will individuals be more protected in its state Parties? Globally?
• Will sending data abroad be easier after its entry into force? In the private sector? In the public sector?