Technology

Posted on January 25, 2019 by staff

Former European data protection supervisor joins ICO

Technology

The Information Commissioner’s Office has strengthened its commitment to remaining an effective and influential international data protection regulator post-Brexit with a prestigious new appointment.

Peter Hustinx, who was the first European Data Protection Supervisor and served in the role for more than 10 years, has been appointed as a non-executive director of the ICO.

Mr Hustinx has also served as a director of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and the Centre for Democracy & Technology (CDT) in Washington DC.

He said: “I look forward to working with the ICO to help ensure its continued effectiveness and good governance in a period of rapid transitions.

“In view of my long experience as a data protection regulator, both in the Netherlands and at European level, I also hope to contribute to a close and productive co-operation with other colleagues, facing similar challenges and often sharing the same legal frameworks.”

Mr Hustinx has been influential in the development of data protection law. He was president of the Dutch Data Protection Authority from 1991 until 2004 and was also chairman of the European Union’s Article 29 Working Party of data protection authorities from 1996 until 2000.

Elizabeth Denham, Information Commissioner, said: “We are delighted that the ICO will benefit from Peter’s vast experience, expertise and international connections. He will be a real asset in helping us to continue to maintain and grow our global networks and influence.

“These are challenging times but the ICO and EU supervisory authorities will remain internationally connected and new working relationships will be essential to maintaining the flow of data in areas such as international transfers, mutual contribution to guidance development on topics of interest, and keeping pace with emerging threats and changing technology.”