GDR - 2020.2 Magazine
GDR’s second-quarter magazine went to press during uncertain and unsettling times, as the coronavirus crisis rapidly escalated around the globe. We have extensively covered its impact through our online news service and will no doubt revisit it in a future print edition – in the meantime, we hope everyone is safe and well.
The GDR reporting team tackled a host of different issues in 2020.2. We open with an exploration of the moratorium on tariffs on international data transfers and how its future has become uncertain. We interviewed Bill Dague of Nasdaq, who provided insight on how subsidiary Quandl finds and sells data to the financial services industry – including how the company puts a dollar value on the data it provides.
The GDPR is also scrutinised, after a report by the European Data Protection Board shed light on enforcement of the Regulation across Europe. We also tell the story of a tough year for the UK’s data regulator, and and how data trusts could encourage more companies to share their valuable information assets.
Turning to surveillance, GDR examines US data surveillance powers that now appear to be in limbo, amid reports of perceived abuse by intelligence agencies. A Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer expert also takes readers through proposed German antitrust law reforms that could create heightened data access rights in the country.
We’re also pleased to bring you highlights of the inaugural Data Business Congress, hosted in San Jose by GDR and sister publication Intellectual Asset Management in February. It was the first conference to cover the full data lifecycle, from creation to commercialisation and disposal. It was a fascinating event, and we’re looking forward to bringing you the next edition soon – keep your eyes peeled.
Keeping free data flows free
The World Trade Organization’s moratorium on data tariffs has been a key component in keeping data transfers free since its enactment in 1998 – but its future is uncertain.
Quandl: finding, selling and pricing financial data
Nasdaq vice president of alternative data Bill Dague oversees subsidiary Quandl, an alternative data provider the exchange bought in late 2018. Dague told GDR about how Quandl gathers and commercialises its data – and how it puts a price on the information it sells.
Data Business Congress: Dealing in data
Buying, selling and licensing data is rarely discussed in great detail. In one of the most insightful Data Business Congress panels, experts discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with data deals. GDR presents an edited and abridged transcript of that session.
Another facelift for FISA
The US government’s spying powers under the Patriot Act have been a subject of controversy for years, and some members of Congress are insisting on a major overhaul of the state surveillance regime. Whether their latest round of reforms curtail perceived abuses by intelligence agencies remains to be seen.
The GDPR in numbers
European Data Protection Board members released a raft of statistics about the way they enforce the landmark law and the resources they have to do so. The results give valuable insight into the priorities and pressure points for European data protection authorities and the companies they regulate.
EDPB: GDPR mostly a success
The European Data Protection Board has seen no need to reform the GDPR, despite some challenges – but some see room for improvement.
The ICO: an honest appraisal
The ICO’s excellent reputation may be under threat as it contends with difficult enforcement, legal threats and tight budgets – as well as the pain of Brexit. What is the true state of play at the UK’s data regulator?
Who do you trust with your data?
Many organisations are reluctant to share their data assets. New sharing mechanisms are needed to encourage data holders to take the plunge. Could data trusts be the solution?
Access to data: expanding German competition law’s toolbox
Proposed changes to Germany’s antitrust regime could lead to a new framework that would force companies to grant access to their data in specific circumstances. Maren Tamke of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in Berlin explores the changes.
Unlock unlimited access to all Global Data Review content