At the beginning of March, the international conference Alpine Privacy Days 2026 took place in Zuoz, Switzerland, bringing together experts in data protection, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence from across Europe. Latvia was represented by Mikus Melderis, a member of the Latvian Data Stewards Network and a data steward at the Higher Education and Science IT Shared Services Center (VPC).
The conference was held from 1 to 3 March and focused on current challenges in the digital environment, with particular attention to data protection, security, and developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Through presentations, discussions, and workshops, participants exchanged insights on how European Union regulations in the fields of data protection and AI influence everyday work with research data and digital technologies.
A number of sessions explored the responsible use of artificial intelligence and the ways in which emerging technologies can both strengthen and undermine privacy protection. Topics also included the management of sensitive and health-related data, cross-border data transfers, and appropriate responses to security incidents.
Particular attention was given to practical issues frequently encountered in data governance, such as identifying situations that require a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and assessing risks related to so-called “black box” AI systems.
Workshops also highlighted different approaches to using AI in cybersecurity, data licensing for AI training, and best practices for the secure processing of medical data.
Participation in the conference provided valuable insights into emerging privacy and security risks in the digital landscape while also offering practical perspectives on how these challenges can be addressed.
