Skip to main page content

Ms Alison Howard

Assistant General Councel
Microsoft Corp (USA)
Participates in 2 items

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 Ms Alison Howard participates

miércoles 12 junio, 2024

Zona horaria: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:45 AM
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM | 45 minutos
Technology and Compliance
Innovative Technologies

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....

jueves 13 junio, 2024

Zona horaria: (GMT+01:00) Rome
11:40 AM
11:40 AM - 12:20 PM | 40 minutos
AI and Compliance
Artificial Intelligence

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 ...

Sessions in which Ms Alison Howard attends

lunes 10 junio, 2024

Zona horaria: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | 30 minutos
Privacy and Democracy

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. 

11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM | 1 hour 15 minutos
Privacy and Democracy

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...

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | 30 minutos
Scientific Track

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...

12:15 PM
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM | 45 minutos
Privacy and Democracy

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...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 1 hour
Privacy and Democracy

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...

3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 1 hour
Privacy and Democracy
Fundamental rights

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...

3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | 30 minutos
Scientific Track

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...

4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | 1 hour
Privacy and Democracy

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...

martes 11 junio, 2024

Zona horaria: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 1 hour 30 minutos
International Cooperation

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...

11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 11:40 AM | 40 minutos
International Cooperation
Regulatory evolution

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?  

11:40 AM
11:40 AM - 12:20 PM | 40 minutos
International Cooperation

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 ...

12:20 PM
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM | 40 minutos
International Cooperation
Regulatory evolution

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.  ...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | 45 minutos
International Cooperation

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...

2:45 PM
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM | 45 minutos
International Cooperation
Regulatory evolution

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...

4:00 PM
4:00 PM - 4:50 PM | 50 minutos
International Cooperation
Regulatory evolution

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...

miércoles 12 junio, 2024

Zona horaria: (GMT+01:00) Rome
11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 2 hours
Deep Dive In
Capacity Buildinginternational cooperation

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...

11:40 AM
11:40 AM - 12:20 PM | 40 minutos
Data Protection in Practice
Socio-economic perspective

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...

12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | 1 hour
International Cooperation

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...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 2 hours
Deep Dive In
Capacity Building

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...

jueves 13 junio, 2024

Zona horaria: (GMT+01:00) Rome
9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 1 hour 30 minutos
AI and Compliance
Artificial Intelligence

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...

11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 11:40 AM | 40 minutos
AI and Compliance
Artificial Intelligence

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...

11:40 AM
11:40 AM - 12:20 PM | 40 minutos
AI and Compliance
Artificial Intelligence

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 ...

11:45 AM
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM | 1 hour 15 minutos
Data Protection in Practice

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...

2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | 45 minutos
AI and Compliance
Artificial Intelligence

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...

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 1 hour
Data Protection in Practice

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 ...

4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM | 30 minutos
Data Protection in Practice

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,...

5:00 PM
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 1 hour
Data Protection in Practice

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...