G7 Roundtable 2024: Data Protection Authorities Collaborate to Shape the Future of AI and Privacy

From 9 to 11 October 2024, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) Wojciech Wiewiórowski participated in the 4th edition of the G7 Data Protection Authorities (DPA) Roundtable in Rome, Italy. This annual event, hosted by the Italian Data Protection Authority, brought together privacy and data protection regulators from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the EDPS.

Wojciech Wiewiórowski, EDPS, said: "With our participation in the G7 DPA Roundtable this year, we aim to help shape the global debate on the importance of data protection in the development of ethical and trustworthy AI. Collaborating with our partners from like-minded G7 countries enables us also to create common approaches to privacy and data protection in this fast-moving landscape. It is a valuable opportunity to promote EU data protection standards on the world stage and build deeper cooperation based on shared values."

At the forefront of this year's discussions were some of the most pressing challenges in the world of data privacy. Building on the foundations laid in previous meetings, the G7 DPAs focused on three core areas: Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), the implications of emerging technologies, and enforcement cooperation. In this context, the group paid close attention to the ethical and trustworthy development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a topic that continues to spark debate on the global stage.

Fostering Trust in AI and Protecting Children

One of the key outcomes of the event was the adoption of a statement highlighting the crucial role of data protection authorities in ensuring that AI technologies are trustworthy and are used responsibly. The “Statement on the Role of Data Protection Authorities in Fostering Trustworthy AI” underscores the importance of aligning AI development with existing data protection rules and principles.

Additionally, the DPAs issued a “Statement on AI and Children” calling for urgent action to safeguard children’s privacy. It emphasises the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that emerging technologies, such as AI, promote trust while protecting the most vulnerable.

Enhancing Global Cooperation

The G7 DPAs also released a Communiqué, which stressed the importance of robust cross-border data transfer mechanisms that protect personal data. This is seen as a cornerstone for secure and free data flows across international borders. The group reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and regulatory collaboration, aiming to reinforce trust and privacy in the face of rapid technological advancements.

Looking Ahead: The 2024/2025 Action Plan

In a significant step forward, the DPAs endorsed the Action Plan for 2024/2025, continuing their focus on DFFT, emerging technologies, and enforcement cooperation as outlined in the 2024 Communiqué. This plan aims to align global efforts to promote trustworthy and secure technological progress.

Additional resources

For more information about the G7 Roundtable of Data Protection Authorities and upcoming actions:

• G7 DPAs' Communiqué
• G7 DPAs' Action Plan 2024/2025
• the Statement on the Role of Data Protection Authorities in Fostering Trustworthy AI
• the Statement on AI and Children
• the Comparative analysis of core elements of the EU GDPR certification as a tool for transfers and of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) System in a controller-to-controller scenario
• the Terminology paper related to the notions of anonymisation, pseudonymisation and de-identification
• the narrative on ‘Promoting Enforcement Cooperation’
• website of G7 Roundtable of Data Protection Authorities, Rome Italy