Melbourne Data Protection & Security Summit 2025

This session provides an overview of recent and future changes in the data protection landscape, exploring how we can leverage people and technology to enhance security and maintain its competitive edge globally.

• Evolving data protection regulations and their impact on businesses
• Emerging cybersecurity threats in a digitalised economy
• Empowering people to build a strong data protection culture
• Strategic recommendations for future-proofing data protection

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This session will explore how businesses can safeguard sensitive data in the AI era. Attendees will learn about strategies to reduce data risk across operations, navigate the evolving landscape of data protection regulations, and stay ahead of emerging threats.

• Understanding the impact of AI on data security and emerging cyber threats
• Strategies for reducing data risk and protecting sensitive information
• Navigating Australia’'s data protection regulations in the context of AI
• Leveraging advanced data security solutions to stay ahead of threats
• Building a proactive security posture to protect against future challenges

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This panel discussion explores how evolving legislation, emerging technologies, and shifting consumer demands are shaping the future of data protection, security and privacy in Australia.

• Influencing data protection culture through leadership, policy, and fostering a privacy-first mindset
• Lessons learned in embedding data protection strategies within existing workflows and emerging solutions, without sacrificing agility
• Identifying and empowering teams to ensure trusted, privacy-conscious development and deployment of new initiatives
• Anticipating regulatory shifts, global privacy trends, and the selective role of AI in reinforcing Australia’s future data protection landscape

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In this innovative session, attendees will be faced with a series of scenarios that they may face in their roles. Attendees will discuss the possible courses of action with their peers to consider the ramifications of each option before logging their own course of action. 

Results will be tallied and analysed by our session facilitator and results will impact the way the group moves through the activity.

Will we collectively choose the right course of action?

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Overseeing a high-profile initiative like Victoria’s digital driver licence requires stringent security measures, efficient approval processes, and careful coordination. This session explains how one government data protection leader streamlined data sharing approvals for a complex portfolio of digital projects and managed over 150 data sharing agreements - all while safeguarding public trust.

• Ensuring robust security oversight for the Victorian digital driver licence project
• Streamlining approvals across multiple digital initiatives to reduce red tape and risk
• Managing and uplifting over 150 data sharing agreements to maintain compliance and public confidence
• Balancing innovation with rigorous data governance to deliver secure, citizen-focused outcomes

This panel brings together leaders of security, data, privacy and technology to exchange insights on how to balance stringent security measures with the need for innovation. The discussion will focus on strategies for safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring compliance, and fostering a security-centric culture that drives competitive advantage.

• Developing robust security frameworks that align with business innovation goals
• Implementing advanced threat detection while facilitating seamless data access
• Navigating complex regulatory landscapes without hindering technological advancement
• Cultivating a proactive security culture that empowers innovation across the organisation

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Choose 1 topic to join on the day!

Topics will be made available closer to the event

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In a digital era where innovation and customer experience drive competitive advantage, Data Protection Officers face the challenge of safeguarding privacy and building trust while enabling business growth. This session explores how DPOs balance data protection with innovation to deliver exceptional customer experiences without compromising on security.

• Aligning Data Protection Strategies with Business Innovation Goals
• Enhancing Customer Experience Without Compromising Privacy and Trust
• Leveraging Privacy by Design to Achieve Competitive Edge
• Navigating Regulatory Compliance Amidst Rapid Technological Advancement

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This interactive Think Tank session explores the most pressing challenges and debates shaping the future of data protection.

• Do mandatory data retention laws strengthen accountability or just create bigger breach targets?
• Is immediate breach disclosure vital for public trust or destructive for brand reputation?
• Does stringent privacy regulation hinder innovation or force better, safer solutions?
• Should employee training be the cornerstone of data protection, or are automated security tools making end-user education less important?
• What is going to be the biggest threat to data protection, security and privacy in 2025?

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