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Patrick Van Eecke

Partner | Professor
Cooley | University of Antwerp
Participates in 1 Session

Patrick co-chairs Cooley’s global cyber/data/privacy practice. Patrick has more than 30 years of experience guiding clients on complex issues spanning data protection, cyber, electronic commerce, digital advertising and electronic signatures. He advises startups, scaleups and multinationals in diverse industry sectors, from technology and life sciences to communications, entertainment, retail and consumer products. He also has significant experience representing telecommunications companies, internet service providers, software developers, governments and companies using IT-related services. In addition, Patrick is involved in diverse consulting projects for the European Commission, national governments and multinational global corporations. Patrick also is a professor at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, where he teaches European information and communications law, and he is a frequent guest lecturer on internet law at other universities.
 

Sessions in which Patrick Van Eecke participates

Monday 12 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | 1 hour
AI and Compliance
Artificial IntelligenceRegulatory evolutionInnovative TechnologiesInterpretation available

Discussions surrounding the interplay of AI and Data Protection Laws will reveal how academics and practitioners from around the world manage the intersectionality of these laws. How do data protection laws and emerging AI intersect, and how do they complement each other? If you’re a privacy professional, legal expert, AI developer, or policymaker, this is your must-attend session, as it will feature professionals from Google, EDRI, DG Justice, a...

Sessions in which Patrick Van Eecke attends

Monday 12 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Rome
8:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | 1 hour
9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | 30 minutes
AI and Compliance
Artificial IntelligenceInnovative TechnologiesInterpretation available

The AI and Compliance track serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration on the evolving legal and regulatory landscape of AI, in addition to its increasing involvement in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. This opening session welcomes the Rector of Ca' Foscari University of Venice and the Chair of the Privacy Symposium to set the stage for insightful discussions. 

10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | 30 minutes
11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 11:40 AM | 40 minutes
AI and Compliance
Artificial IntelligenceRegulatory evolutionInnovative TechnologiesEnforcementInterpretation available

Generative AI development and deployment is exploding, but the recent EDPB Opinion 28/2024 and early enforcement actions (notably the fine against OpenAI by the Garante in Italy) signal that compliance with the GDPR must be taken seriously from the outset. Against this backdrop, our panel will explore how to build trust and avoid pitfalls when developing and deploying LLMs in Europe. We’ll examine the evolving legal landscape—and whether it leaves enough room for meaningful innovation....

11:40 AM
12:20 PM
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM | 40 minutes
AI and Compliance
Artificial IntelligenceInternational CooperationRegulatory evolutionInnovative TechnologiesInterpretation available

As AI usage seems to proliferate, international regulations may be the way to go to develop cross-border compliance and cooperation. Featuring representatives from both sides of the Atlantic, as well as renowned global think tanks, this session will discuss how organizations can effectively align themselves with international regulations to achieve convergence and interoperability.  ...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 1 hour
AI and Compliance
Artificial IntelligenceRegulatory evolutionInnovative TechnologiesInterpretation available

This remarkable session brings together leading experts from Google, Microsoft, the German Data Protection Authority, the European AI Agency, and the Italian State Secretary to discuss how organizations and governments can navigate AI risks while ensuring compliance. From balancing innovation with regulation to addressing ethical concerns, this discussion will provide critical insights into the future of AI governance. 

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 1 hour
Making Data Secure
CybersecurityArtificial IntelligenceRegulatory evolutionData regulation in practiceInterpretation available

This panel focuses on integrating the new cybersecurity obligations introduced by the NIS 2 Directive with the GDPR’s existing requirements for data integrity and confidentiality. 

3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 1 hour
Making Data Secure
CybersecurityRegulatory evolutionData regulation in practice

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) sets obligatory requirements for hardware and software products as well as infrastructure, aiming to guarantee high standards of security for all items connected to the internet. This session brings together experts to explore the CRA’s real-world implications, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and urgent questions surrounding cyber resilience. 

Tuesday 13 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 1 hour 30 minutes
International Cooperation
Regulatory evolutionInterpretation available

The International Cooperation track serves as platform for exchanging ideas, building meaningful partnerships, and exploring innovative solutions beyond borders and across various disciplines. This session opens with an insightful discussion featuring an esteemed panel of high-level speakers and experts, such as the Secretary General of the Inter Parliamentary Union, U.N.

10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | 30 minutes
11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 1 hour
Socio-economic Perspective
Certification

The purpose of the panel is to discuss transparency requirements in the digital data economy, and its benefits. The discussion will focus on the different recipients of transparency (individuals, companies, regulators), the different means (notices, company reporting, certification, KPIs) and how it impacts sustainability/ data responsibility in the age of AI.

3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 1 hour
International Cooperation
Socio-economic perspectiveInterpretation available

The role of data regulations in enabling economic growth is currently a topic of intense interest in many parts of the world. Attendees of this enriching session will hear discussions on the nature and design of data regulations, and balances to be struck, including the extent to which regulators seek to enable good outcomes as well as prevent bad ones.  Key questions 

Wednesday 14 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 1 hour 30 minutes
Deep Dive In
Deep dive in and capacity buildingInnovative TechnologiesData regulation in practice

This session promises to dive deep into the real-world impact of data anonymization and synthetic data, exploring how these techniques are being used to protect privacy in different industries. Experts of the panel will break down the myths and realities of these privacy-enhancing technologies, tackling their benefits, limitations, and regulatory challenges head-on. Key questions&nbsp...

10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | 30 minutes
11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 1 hour
International Cooperation
Regulatory evolutionData regulation in practice

Europe’s data regulations are very intricate to form the whole picture, which means that each piece is essential, yet constantly shifting. The Data Act, Data Governance Act and GDPR are not isolated frameworks; they are deeply intertwined to shape the way we interact with the digital reality. This session unites esteemed professionals and officials from Euroconsumers, DG Justice, DG Connect, and Lativia DPA, diving beyond the legal aspect to unco...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 1 hour
Freedom of Expression and Data Regulation
Fundamental rightsSocio-economic perspectiveInterpretation available

The right to transparent, free, unbiased and pluralistic information is a pillar in democratic societies, allowing citizens to think critically and challenge their own perspectives before making decisions and judgements. With insights from academics and practitioners, this panel promises to be an interesting debate at the intersection of freedom of expression, democracy and data regulation.  

3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 1 hour
Data Regulations in Practice

Age assurance is a growing requirement for online safety, but one that comes with clear interdependencies with data protection. Requirements for highly effective age assurance have to be considered alongside data minimisation requirements under the GDPR. The limitations of working in silos must be overcome, and one way of doing so is via a multistakeholder dialogue that brings data protection regulators, safety regulators, academics, companies an...

4:00 PM
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | 30 minutes
4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | 1 hour 30 minutes
Deep Dive In
CybersecurityDeep dive in and capacity building

Whether you participated in the exercise or simply want to sharpen your crisis response skills, this session will provide a practical, experience-based guide to managing the havoc of a cyber crisis. We will break down the dos and don'ts of a breach, and highlight what to prioritise when every second counts.Together with the audience, we will explore the critical actions organisations should take during an incident: how to act in the early stages, how to manage the developing crisis, an...

Thursday 15 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:20 AM
9:20 AM - 10:30 AM | 1 hour 10 minutes
Health and Medical Data Compliance
Regulatory evolutionInnovative TechnologiesData regulation in practiceInterpretation available

This session will welcome industry professionals to explore the adoption of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation and its impact on obligations and compliance requirements. Drawing on the panel's insights, the discussion will cover the practical aspects of implementing EHDS, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities it presents.  Key questions 

12:15 PM
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM | 45 minutes
Health and Medical Data Compliance
International CooperationRegulatory evolutionData regulation in practiceCross-border data transfersInterpretation available

Medical research often relies on accessing large and diverse datasets from different regions to ensure the results are comprehensive and unbiased. This session will explore the opportunities, needs, and challenges involved in sharing medical data across borders. The European Health Data Space (EHDS) offers a framework to enable such international collaboration, but how does it function in practice? What are the potential constraints in other juri...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 2 hours
Deep Dive In
Artificial IntelligenceDeep dive in and capacity buildingFundamental rightsData regulation in practice

This session will take a deep dive into the evolving process of assessing AI’s impact on fundamental rights, transitioning from traditional Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) to the Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment (FRAIA). The speakers will explore how to practically apply these assessments in AI development and deployment, ensuring that privacy and human rights remain at the forefront. 

Friday 16 May, 2025

Time Zone: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 1 hour 30 minutes
DPO Cooperation
Artificial IntelligenceInterpretation available

This unique session explores the evolving responsibilities of DPOs in the field of AI governance, focusing on the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and opportunities that come with overseeing AI systems that may impact personal data. Join the panel for a forward-thinking discussion about how DPOs can steer the future of AI governance while staying true to their core mission of data protection.  

10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | 30 minutes
11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 2 hours
Deep Dive In
Deep dive in and capacity buildingArtificial Intelligence

This workshop is designed to practice the conformity assessment procedure of AI systems in accordance with the emerging AI Act. The workshop is structured to provide theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, focusing on the Act's obligations and requirements concerning intended use, data governance, transparency, and the technical and organizational measures implemented to ensure compliance. 

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 1 hour
DPO Cooperation
Artificial IntelligenceInterpretation available

The age of generative AI is one where machines can write, create, and predict with astonishing accuracy. Still, this brings new privacy challenges as AI plays a powerful role in our lives. This session will discuss the Gen AI Code of Practice, defined as a set of guidelines that aims to govern the use of generative AI while protecting privacy rights. The panel will explore what a solid and actionable code of practice looks like and how DPOs can p...

3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 1 hour
DPO Cooperation
Interpretation available