Date:
April 17, 2024
Time:
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT
We invite you to join an open virtual forum on the European Union (EU) Data Act, organized by The Sedona Conference Working Group 6 on International Electronic Information, Discovery, and Disclosure (WG6). The forum is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required.
We live in a data-driven world. Last year, it was anticipated that 120 zettabytes of data would be generated globally, which is nearly double the amount of data generated in 2020. This data, much of it non-personal, presents a vast reserve of untapped potential, which to date has been largely controlled by device manufacturers. For example, according to statistics from the European Commission, up to 80% of industrial data is never used. The EU developed its Data Act to address the issues and uncertainties that have resulted in the underuse of this data, freeing it up for use, reuse, and development. Key provisions permit users of connected devices to access and share data they generate with parties other than the device manufacturer; provide protection from unilateral contractual terms that limit data sharing; and promote the development of interoperability standards. A primary goal, of course, is to drive EU growth and innovation in data-heavy fields, such as artificial intelligence, and the European Commission anticipates that the availability of more data will create €270 billion in additional GDP by the end of the decade. Collectively with the other legislative pieces of the EU’s strategy for data, including the Data Governance Act, the Data Act helps to establish a unified free-flowing data market within the EU.
The panel of in-house and outside counsel from the EU and the U.S. will lead a dialogue on what this free flow of data will mean for companies operating within and outside the EU who may want access to this data or be forced by the new rules to disclose data. Can those outside the EU benefit from the Data Act, which will in many instances require cross-border transfer safeguards for non-personal and business data? How should companies be preparing for this new shift in EU law?
The panel, which includes longtime members of WG6 and its European Developments Committee, will also provide a brief overview of WG6, its flagship publications, and key activities and opportunities available to all who become a member. They will also answer any questions you may have about membership in WG6.
You can become a member by signing up for a Working Group Series (WGS) membership here. Once a WGS member, one is eligible to take part in the activities of all Working Groups, including WG6.
The mission of WG6 is to develop principles, guidance and best practice recommendations for information governance, discovery and disclosure involving cross-border data transfers related to civil litigation, dispute resolution and internal and civil regulatory investigations.