Data protection law as a shield, not a weapon CPDP 2026

Data protection law as a shield, not a weapon: empowering historically marginalised communities in the EU in times of de-regulation Rules on data protection, access and sharing across the EU are being revised to support innovation and new digital services. Changing these rules interacts with deeply rooted asymmetries in power. This panel examines how the potential changes to the EU’s data protection and digital regulatory framework can affect historically marginalised communities, including women, queer people, migrants, people of color and low-income groups. A focal point is to think about the structural inequalities that shape the exposure of these groups to harm, when a deregulatory agenda or an effort to “simplify” the law overlooks protections for certain groups. When rules expand access to data vulnerable categories are exposed to greater risks. We will also explore what happens when systems built under EU law are used in times of democratic regress, turned into a tool against specific groups, threatening democracy itself. Questions to be answered: What consequences do existing and proposed changes to EU data protection and related legislation have for different groups in society? How are historically marginalised communities affected by the changes in the law, like women, queer people, migrants, people of color and low-income groups? What are possible alternatives, for data infrastructures that account for pluralism, minority rights, and don't reinforce marginalisation? How should regulators incorporate intersectional solutions and the perspectives of marginalised communities into the design, supervision and evaluation of data access and sharing practices? Organised by ALTI with Vardâyani Djwalapersad (moderator), Kave Noori, Bahija Aarrass, Ellen Lefley, Pia Groenewolt More information: https://cpdp.be/121795