EDEN 2026: Balancing innovation, security and fundamental rights

Our Data Protection Officer, Geo Van Langenhove attended the EDEN 2026 Conference, held in Lisbon on 22–23 September, bringing together experts from Europol, the EDPS, law enforcement, academia and the private sector.

Under the theme “Do Not Cross: Protecting Citizens, Preserving Rights”, the conference explored the boundaries of using data, AI and emerging technologies for law enforcement. Speakers highlighted that effective security and law enforcement must go hand in hand with privacy, the rule of law and fundamental rights.

Key discussions covered digital sovereignty, AI-generated content and deepfakes, lawful access to data, digital evidence and cybersecurity resilience. The Ukrainian perspective provided a particularly powerful insight into maintaining critical systems and data under continuous cyber and military pressure.

The conference also highlighted the evolving role of Data Protection Officers as trusted advisers, helping organisations navigate the opportunities and risks created by new technologies.

The key message was clear: innovation can support security, but the “do not cross” line remains essential — technology must not come at the expense of privacy, rights and trust.