
Alison Howard is an assistant general counsel in the privacy legal team at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington, and leads Microsoft's global Office of Data Protection. She assists with Microsoft's efforts around the EU's General Data Protection Regulation and global regulations, engaging with data protection authorities and supporting Microsoft's data protection commitments to customers.
Before joining Microsoft in 2005, she was an associate at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP in Seattle. She was a journalist at newspapers in California and Idaho before becoming a lawyer.
She received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, her M.A. in international journalism from the University of Southern California and her B.A. in journalism from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has CIPP/E and CIPP/US certifications.
Sessions in which Alison Howard participates
الثّلاثاء 5 أبريل, 2022
الأربعاء 6 أبريل, 2022
الأربعاء 12 يونيو, 2024
IntroductionAs countries around the world embark on the digital transformation of all of their public services, EdTech has the potential to contribute to accessibility of education resources and enhanced learning outcomes, as well as to ease the administrative burden on teachers, improve classroom management and others....
الخميس 13 يونيو, 2024
Introduction Generative AI has the potential to enhance children's learning and creativity. It also poses new risks and challenges to the safety and privacy of young people. By adopting a child-centric approach to AI development in use and implementing robust privacy and safety measures, we can empower the next generation to harness the power of this innovative technology while ...
الإثنين 12 مايو, 2025
This session brings together industry leaders and regulators to explore the essential aspects of designing compliant AI training models. In the discussion, panelists will provide a comprehensive overview of the intersection between regulatory requirements and innovative AI practices, offering practical advice and actionable insights for professionals in the field. Key topics include:
Sessions in which Alison Howard attends
الثّلاثاء 5 أبريل, 2022
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italianoThis panel will focus on national developments in data protection law beyond the European Union, analyzing which core values and principles underpin different approaches to privacy and data protection legislation. What are the big enforcement cases or actions that have shaped various national or state-level approaches...
The Coffee Break for all participants will take place in Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italianoThis session will discuss the concept of data sovereignty, its different meanings the origin of this concept and how it relates to digital sovereignty. We will discuss the impact of this concept on lawmaking in the EU and Asia, including through data localisation issues. We will discuss how, if any, this concept is a ...
Session in Portuguese interpreted into English
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italianoIn an increasingly interconnected world, highly inter-dependent, dealing with the challenges of the modern data-driven and digital world, though bringing tremendous benefits for our economies and societies, also becomes increasingly challenging for privacy and the protection of personal data.
The Lunch Break for all participants will take place in Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
Sessione in italiano
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
Sessione in italiano / Session in ItalianIT:La contitolarità nel trattamento dei dati personali: occasione di efficienza organizzativa per imprese ed enti pubblici nei mercati internazionali o adempimento oneroso, tra obbligatori accordi di riparto interno (art. 26 GDPR) e problematici criteri applicativi della contitolarità ai sensi delle Linee Guida 7/2020 EDPB sul concetto di ...
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
الأربعاء 6 أبريل, 2022
This session is devoted to a core aim of the GDPR: the rights of data subjects which were significantly strengthened. The speakers will present their views on different aspects of the rights, each from his own point of view. The aim of this session is to get a clearer picture: where do we stand now?
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
The session is a part of a Workshop on eHealth, Assisted Living and Medical Data Protection, Compliance, Interoperability and Reusability
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
الخميس 7 أبريل, 2022
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italianoA broad conversation about the impact of technology on society, regulation and what companies and policy makers can do to enable the use of technology for good while protecting individuals.
This session will focus to rights of the children incl. those related to privacy as outlined by the GDPR. The panelists will approach this from their different perspectives as a European Supervisory Authority, a leading social media platform provider, and a researcher company.
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
Session in English interpreted into Italian / Sessione in inglese con la traduzione in italiano
الإثنين 17 أبريل, 2023
الثّلاثاء 18 أبريل, 2023
For morning coffee breaks from Monday 17 to Friday 21 April, vouchers will be available to enjoy a typical Italian coffee at Caffè Rosso if you attend the sessions at Santa Margherita Auditorium or at Venice Eat if you attend the sessions at Ca’ Foscari or Ca' Dolfin.In addition we will also offer a coffee break at Scuola Grande di San Rocco on Tuesday 18 April.
This panel will explore the interconnected nature of transatlantic cross-border data transfers with a variety of stakeholders. It will touch upon the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and other adequacy decisions as a means to bridge the gap between transatlantic data flows and standards. The panel will also explore key challenges to transatlantic data transfers, such as government access to data, and discuss international initiatives taken to develop a co...
For the 25th Anniversary of the Italian Data Protection Authority in September 2022 the Garante organised the “State of privacy” event, in Pietrarsa (Naples) where, in parallel with other thematic tables, the first Data Protection and Human Rights Roundtable explored the interplay of privacy and data protection with other human rights (State of Privacy...
We will have inaugurate the second edition of the Privacy Symposium on Tuesday 18th of April and enjoy the Official Welcome Reception at Scuola Grande di San Rocco at 6:00 pm.This Reception will take place In this magnificent building, dating back to the 15th century with of numerous artworks by the famous Venetian painter TintorettoFor your co...
الأربعاء 19 أبريل, 2023
The role of the Data Protection Officer has greatly evolved since the nomination of the first DPO in the Land of Hesse, Germany in 1971. Originally designed to protect citizens privacy against too much scrutiny from the state, it shall now protect people from the invasive curiosity of private companies, large and small, as well as from increasingly active criminal organizations. New EU regulations aim at controlling large internet actors with the Digital Services Act and the Data Marketing...
For morning coffee breaks from Monday 17 to Friday 21 April, vouchers will be available to enjoy a typical Italian coffee at Caffè Rosso if you attend the sessions at Santa Margherita Auditorium or at Venice Eat if you attend the sessions at Ca’ Foscari or Ca' Dolfin.
The buffet lunch will take place at the Court and the Spazi Espositivi at Ca’ Foscari University next to the Welcome and Registration Desk.
الخميس 20 أبريل, 2023
The buffet lunch will take place at the Court and the Spazi Espositivi at Ca’ Foscari University next to the Welcome and Registration Desk.
الإثنين 10 يونيو, 2024
This rich introduction to the Privacy and Democracy track represents a compelling journey into the heart of democratic values and individual privacy rights, featuring high-level speakers from the Italian Institute for Privacy and Data Valorisation and the European Centre for Certification and Privacy.
Introduction In democratic societies, the protection of individuals’ privacy is closely connected to the preservation of civil liberties, which in turn highlights the essential role that privacy rights play in sustaining democratic principles and fostering civic engagement. This enriching session will focus on the multifaceted ways in which privacy and democracy intersect, shaping the...
The concept of personal data is pivotal to understand the scope of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Since data protection regulations and directives were adopted, national courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) had to determine whether some data like IP addresses are personal. Courts' rulings are often based on the possibility to re-identify individuals from the datasets under dispute. The differe...
Introduction The revised Convention 108 of the Council of Europe is being ratified by a growing number of countries. It will soon reach the required threshold to trigger the entry into force of the convention, as well as bring a paradigm shift in the landscape of global data governance. This session will discuss the key implications of this treaty, in addition to its role in shaping t...
Location: Scuola Grande di San RoccoIntroduction Privacy and democracy are pillars of modern society, both of which shape the contours of individual freedoms, social values, and governance structures. This session will focus on perspectives regarding privacy and democracy, by giving the floor to several authorities and high-level spea...
Introduction While data protection regulations are adopted by a growing number of countries, there are some divergences in their adoption. Some jurisdictions also question the universal nature of the rig...
The adequacy requirement plays a significant role in EU data protection law. The third country must provide adequate data protection to make personal data transfer free, i.e., treat the transfer as if it happens within the EU. A third country must pass the assessment conducted by the European Commission to do so. The doctrine describes the assessment as not transparent enough and influenced by the political background. There are few...
Introduction Democratic societies must address dual obligations: to protect their population and to preserve the fundamental rights of their citizens. They seek to balance national security interests wit...
الثّلاثاء 11 يونيو, 2024
The International Cooperation track serves as platform for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration, where we get to explore innovative solutions and build meaningful partnerships beyond borders and across various disciplines. This session offers an introductory discussion that brings together an esteemed panel of high-level speakers and experts, such as the Italian Minister of Justice, US Federal Trade Commissioner, Pr...
Introduction This session will discuss major national data regulation developments, with a focus on British, Canadian, and Indian regulations. Key questions and objectives What are the implications of these regulatory evolutions?
Introduction This session provides an in-depth analysis of the recent evolution and current status of cross-Atlantic data protection collaboration and convergence. It will discuss the challenges and opportunities for both regions to overcome their differences and develop common frameworks. The panel will consider the common interests and interdependencies of the two regions and their ...
Introduction We live in a world defined by unprecedented data flows and digital interconnectedness, which means that protecting personal information across borders has become a pressing concern. This session focuses on the progress in terms of multilateral data protection, with a focus on three major international organizations: the Council of Europe, the OECD, and the UN. ...
Introduction This session will analyze the policies, initiatives, and collaborative efforts undertaken by G7 member countries to establish solid frameworks that prioritize individuals’ privacy rights, while maintaining innovation and economic growth. The attendees will explore the challenges, responsibilities, opportunities, and aspirations in building a world where privacy and data r...
Introduction The panel of this session will examine the dynamic interplay among various European Data Regulations, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Digital Services Act (DSA), Data Act (DA), Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), and Market in Crypto-assets Regulation (MICA). It will also focus on unraveling the complexities surrounding these regulations and offer insights into ov...
Introduction Through insightful discussions and comparative analyses, speakers in this session explore the dynamic landscape of data protection regulations and practices at regional levels. They will also discuss various regional perspectives, from Asia-Pacific to Africa and Latin America, as well as present a comprehensive view on ongoing regional evolutions, commonalities, and disti...
الأربعاء 12 يونيو, 2024
Introduction While the GDPR has established a powerful mechanism to reinforce cooperation for data protection among EU an EEA Member States, major European countries, such as UK, Switzerland, and others, are not associated to this cooperation mechanism. They often benefit from adequacy decisions but are not involved in EDPB discussions. This session will explore the potential to reinf...
Introduction Concerns over data privacy and market concentration have intensified over time, which makes regulatory compliance more extensive to encompass competition policy and privacy protection. This session will explore key EU legal principles related to PET, examining how practices such as user profiling, tracking, and targeted a...
Introduction In this engaging session, the speakers explore the imperative of fostering international cooperation for data protection and privacy. High-level authorities will share their views on the ways to reinforce international cooperation and convergence in data protection. They will discuss identified challenges and opportunities to build an ocean of privacy that overcomes regio...
IntroductionEnsuring age appropriate experiences is an important element to help protect the privacy and safety of users. However, effective age assurance presents a variety of challenges. This session combines a Google presentation and an interactive, mock session on how research shapes the implementation of age assurance with an expert panel to explore and discuss the latest technologies...
الخميس 13 يونيو, 2024
Introduction This session will present views on the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence, by giving the floor to senior experts and authorities from the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), European Parliament, Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libe...
Introduction With the adoption of AI-related regulations, this session focuses on the critical imperative of making AI trustable, transparent, understandable, and accountable, as it continues to be integrated in various aspects of society. The speakers will explore strategies and practices for achieving these goals, by empowering organizations and professionals to benefit from the ful...
Introduction Generative AI has the potential to enhance children's learning and creativity. It also poses new risks and challenges to the safety and privacy of young people. By adopting a child-centric approach to AI development in use and implementing robust privacy and safety measures, we can empower the next generation to harness the power of this innovative technology while ...
Introduction From the GDPR to the ePrivacy Directive and beyond, Europe has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for data processing, some of which have their own implementation scheme with dedicated bodies. This session will discuss data regulations interplay and oversight in practice. Key questions and objectives...
Introduction Generative AI drives innovation in various sectors, but compliance with the GDPR presents both future challenges and future opportunities. In this session, the speakers will analyze the relationship between generative AI and the GDPR, in addition to presenting pathways for using generative AI while highlighting best practices, legal considerations, and ethical application...
Introduction The Internet gives children access to many resources and opportunities to learn, play and socialize, but it also exposes them to a series of risks. The Regulation on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) provides a first attempt to regulate some of these risks for combatting online exploitation of children, aiming to conciliate the need to protect children, while preserving ...
Introduction The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) stands as a central pillar in shaping legal frameworks across the European Union. In this keynote address, attendees will learn about the profound influence the CJEU exerts on European jurisprudence, and explore its crucial role in interpreting EU law, resolving disputes, and protecting fundamental principles of the Union,...
Introduction Over the years, the decisions of the Court of Justice of the EU have played a significant role in shaping the legal framework for privacy rights within the European Union and beyond. From landmark rulings on data protection to the interpretation of fundamental rights, the speakers will explore the interplay between judicial decisions and the evolution of data protection a...