The 46th edition of the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) took place from 28 October to 1 November 2024, marking the main annual event in the field of personal data protection. Under the central theme “The Power of i”, this event focused on 8 important issues: individual, innovation, information, integrity, independence, international, intercultural and indigenous. Organized by the Jersey Data Protection Authority (JOIC), this conference brought together representatives of over 160 GPA member and observer authorities, from academia, civil society, business and interest groups, liberal professions, the media, etc.

During the proceedings of the Open Session (October 28-30), sensitive issues were discussed and addressed regarding respecting and balancing the power of information with the necessity that citizens have to control their personal data. The topics touched upon were related to determining the harms of privacy in the modern world; data protection and mental health; the impact of technology on regulatory authorities or the advantages and challenges of data transfer tools. At the same time, the attendees also discussed the role of data privacy in humanitarian crises; reducing inequalities in privacy rights – exploring the different dimensions of privacy of diversity; data sharing between government and third parties, etc. This constructive dialogue aims to strengthen the effectiveness of current legal models, and on the other hand, to promote ways to improve them in line with technological changes. The conference also promotes the enhancement of individuals’ skills in self-management of personal data, as well as the strengthening of a culture of accountability and transparency in the use of such data.

During the proceedings of the Closed Session (October 31-November 1), the following documents were adopted, which will further promote the strengthening of the regulatory framework in this area:

• Resolution on the encouragement and use of certification mechanisms in data protection;
• Resolution on surveillance technologies by law enforcement bodies and the protection of individuals’ rights to privacy;
• Resolution on the free and trustful exchange of data and on the effective regulation of global data flows;
• Resolution on the principles of personal information processing in neuroscience and neurotechnology;
• Resolution on the Rules and Procedures of the GPA.

During the proceedings of this Session, representatives of member and observer authorities addressed issues on strengthening international cooperation and advancing the important efforts of the GPA to promote the highest standards in respecting this fundamental right. This conference constitutes an appropriate platform for an open dialogue, the exchange of experiences and ideas, but also the discussion of proposals and solutions to existing or future problems, in the proper protection of data and privacy in the digital age. The GPA remains the main international forum and the most influential in the decision-making process on public policies in this field. According to the agenda of this Session, the annual reports of the GPA Working Groups were presented and adopted, while extensive discussions were also held with partner organizations. According to tradition, during the Assembly’s proceedings, a series of parallel meetings were also held, organized by regional networks of authorities or institutions in this field, by civil society organizations, business, interest groups, etc.

This year, in recognition of his professional contribution, the “Giovanni Buttarelli” Award was presented to Mr. Bruno Gencarelli, currently part of the cabinet of EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.