Data protection professionals from around the world meet in Spain
Barcelona not only showed itself from its sunny side, but also as a hotspot for data protection experts from all over the world. The 10th conference of the International Network of Privacy Law Professionals (INPLP) was a complete success: participants from 35 countries came together to discuss the most pressing issues surrounding data, regulation, and technology. We at legal data also legal data part.
A big thank you went to local host Belen Arribas Sanchez, who ensured that everything ran smoothly on site. In addition to exciting presentations, a visit to the EU Commission in Barcelona, and plenty of expert input, there was also no shortage of culinary delights—which, as we hear, fueled many inspiring conversations.
50 member countries – data protection goes global
This year, INPLP had two reasons to celebrate: with the addition of its 50th member country, it reached a significant milestone. In just a few years, a regional initiative has grown into a global network of data protection experts.
Founded in 2015 under the umbrella of EuroCloud Austria, the project started as a professional exchange in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Under the name CPC, the organization moved to Luxembourg in 2017 and developed rapidly. With its renaming to INPLP in 2020 and the launch of the GDPR Fines Database project, it became clear that this was becoming a central platform for everyone involved in data protection in a professional capacity.
Today, INPLP is one of the few international networks that focuses specifically on legal and practical issues relating to data protection—across national borders.
Share knowledge, use networks, implement projects
What makes INPLP so special? It is the combination of practical relevance, internationality, and expertise. Instead of anonymous large structures, the focus is on targeted partnerships with selected members per country. This creates a network that not only exchanges know-how but also creates concrete added value—whether through joint research projects, country-specific analyses, or specific assignments.
Another plus: the platform regularly publishes short articles on current topics related to data protection, technology, and regulation—now over 300 articles, read by hundreds of thousands of experts worldwide. This makes it clear even to outsiders: data protection is not dry, but highly relevant—and INPLP provides the appropriate context.
Plain language on the topic of data protection networks
The success of INPLP shows that data protection is no longer a niche issue. Anyone operating internationally cannot avoid cross-border cooperation—especially when it comes to personal data. But this is precisely where the crux of the matter lies: national rules, differing interpretations, growing uncertainties.
What should you pay attention to? Exclusivity must not lead to a lack of transparency. A network thrives on exchange—not on elitism. If you want to strengthen data protection, you also have to build bridges—not only between countries, but also between experts and those who need protection the most: people.
