ETIS Data Privacy Working Group Meeting

The ETIS Data Privacy Working Group will meet in person on 29–30 January 2026 in Helsinki, hosted by Ericsson, for two days of peer exchange, collaboration, and deep discussions on the evolving landscape of data privacy in telecom.

The meeting will bring together DPOs and privacy experts from across Europe to share experiences, benchmark practices, and explore the latest regulatory and technological challenges shaping the industry. 

Focus areas:

🔹 AI Governance

AI continues to dominate telecom privacy priorities. Members will share experiences in applying the AI Act, managing AI DPIAs, and ensuring accountability for tools like Copilot, in-house GPTs, and DeepSeek. Discussions will focus on high-risk AI in telecom infrastructure, AI use in HR, marketing, and customer services, and mitigating ethical and security risks such as bias and hallucinations.

🔹 Data Monetization & Innovation – Privacy as a Design Principle 
Operators are exploring new ways to extract value from data while maintaining compliance. We’ll examine responsible data monetization models, anonymisation practices, and how privacy by design is embedded in the development of new digital services. 

🔹 Regulation & Legal Evolution – Operationalising New Frameworks 
As the Data Act enters into force and the definition of personal data evolves, telecom privacy teams face new practical questions. This session will review implementation progress, supervisory expectations, and interplay with GDPR obligations. 

🔹 Privacy Function & Governance – The Next Generation of Privacy Leadership 
Privacy teams are restructuring to stay effective in AI-driven and data-heavy environments. We’ll discuss the evolving role of the DPO, new privacy operating models, and champion programmes that strengthen accountability and visibility across large organisations.  

What you need to know:

The areas above are meant to give a general direction. A detailed agenda will be shared by mid-November, but we invite members to already register if they plan to attend, to support coordination and logistics.

In the ETIS spirit of collaboration, all participating companies are invited to contribute actively — by presenting a short highlight, case study, or initiative related to one of the main focus areas. In addition, there will be open room for members wishing to share any other project or good practice that could benefit the broader telecom privacy community, even if it falls outside the central agenda topics.

Accommodation and practical details will be provided in the coming weeks.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Ruxandra Cioban at rc@etis.org .