Data Protection Conference 2026

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday 5 February, 2026
  • Time:
  • Price: £240.00 (Member price)
  • Venue: Mayer Brown International LLP
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Join us for our Annual Data Protection Conference – Thursday 5 February 2026

One of SCL’s most highly anticipated events, this conference sells out every year – secure your place now.


  • Balancing Innovation and Risk: Navigating the current state of play of cross-sector data protection (DP), AI and biometrics
    While AI and biometrics offer transformative potential across all sectors, their responsible adoption depends on international collaboration, robust security, clearer regulations, and a primary focus on protecting individual privacy and human rights. Our panelists examine the current state of play of cross-sector data protections issues, including AI and biometrics. The panel will examine how to deal with transparency and public trust, navigating regulatory complexity, and addressing specific technical challenges like data security and bias.
  • Case law update
    Tim Pitt Payne KC will provide a comprehensive roundup of the significant legal developments from the past 12 months.
  • Data in Digital Markets: Navigating the Intersection Between Data Protection and Competition Law
    In its January 2025 position paper, the European Data Protection Board calls for deeper cooperation between data protection authorities and competition authorities to ensure consistent, effective enforcement and better protection for individuals. The paper also highlights the need for a sharper understanding of concepts used in both regimes. In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Competition and Markets Authority have similarly recognised this convergence, issuing a joint statement on data protection and competition in digital markets and, more recently, a joint article on AI foundation models that underscores the interplay between data protection, competition and consumer law.

    This panel will explore the growing synergies between the data protection and competition frameworks, the emerging regulatory cooperation, and what this means in practice for organisations operating in digital markets.

  • In discussion with the ICO and Ofcom


Agenda:

Time Slot
1.30pm-2pm Registration
2pm-2.10pm Introduction/welcome

2.10pm-2.55pm Balancing Innovation and Risk: Navigating the current state of play of cross-sector data protection (DP), AI and biometrics

2.55pm-3.30pm Case law update

3.30pm-4pm Break
4pm-4.05pm Introduction to next session

4.05pm-4.55pm Data in Digital Markets: Navigating the Intersection Between Data Protection and Competition Law

4.55pm-5.30pm In discussion with the ICO and Ofcom

5.30pm – 6:30 pm Drinks

Confirmed speakers:


Why is this event important?

  • Stay ahead of the curve in data protection, privacy law, and compliance.

  • Gain expert insights into emerging issues, best practices, and recent legal developments.

  • Network with leading professionals across law, policy, and tech.

Who is this event for?

  • IT lawyers (both private practice & in-house)

  • IT law academics and students

  • Tech sector professionals & managers navigating data privacy

  • Anyone with an interest in data protection and privacy

This event is hosted and sponsored by Mayer Brown and organised by the SCL Privacy and Data Protection Group.


Administration notes:

Date: Thursday 5 February 2026
Venue: Mayer Brown, 201 Bishopsgate, City of London, London, EC2M 3AF
Fees: £200 + VAT (£240) for SCL members. £400 + VAT (£480) for non-members.

This event will take place in-person and will be recorded.

Booking: To secure your place, please book online using the link above or send an email to hello@scl.org with details of who is attending the event and also the address details for the invoice.

Booking terms and conditions:
Please refer to SCL’s full event terms and conditions here.

Registration and attendee arrival: 
Registration for this event starts at 1:30 pm.The event starts at 2:00 pm.

Joining details:
For in-person events, you will receive joining details within 24 hours of the event.

Recording: 
This event will be recorded and the recording will be available to delegates shortly afterwards.

To enquire about SCL membership and receive the discounted fee, please email hello@scl.org.

Non-members wishing to join the Society are entitled to membership of the Society valid for 12 months from the date of payment including full access to the content of the SCL website www.scl.org, access to all online content of “Computers & Law”plus notification of future SCL events. The cost of an annual SCL membership is £190.00. If you have any queries about SCL membership please contact the SCL office on Tel: 07948 517049 or Email: hello@scl.org

Free membership for trainee lawyers and UK students:
SCL provides free membership for trainee lawyers until qualification and for UK students in full-time education with a valid ac.uk email address. Student members are eligible to attend SCL events at concessionary rates where a fee is applicable. Trainee members are entitled to attend SCL events at the standard members’ rate (the concessionary rate for UK students in full-time education does not apply). Trainees and UK students in full-time education can apply to join SCL for free by emailing hello@scl.org
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