What do you do?
I try to help my clients create value from their data. This entails, in particular, complex digital transformation projects which relate to smart data or AI.
Why data?
Because I am excited about digital transformation and the opportunities for humankind. I am an optimist and believe that a proper and compliant innovative use of data will help to improve everybody’s life. I like to imagine that I can be a (small) part of this.
What’s keeping you busy?
I advise several clients on smart data and/or AI projects. I also manage several projects around the access to data contained in wind turbine generators. One particularly interesting project involves advising one of the leading telecommunications companies, where we help to incorporate its global data strategy into its contractual framework.
What mentors or other influential figures have helped you get where you are today?
My most important mentor is Flemming Moos in whose team I had worked before I became a partner. Beyond that I try to learn from everybody I know.
If you could change one data-related law, how and why would you change it?
Definitely the GDPR. The basic flaw is the black and white thinking – for example, the GDPR does not sufficiently differentiate between different kinds of personal data. Companies should have the incentive to pseudonymise personal data in order to avoid certain legal requirements. This would be a mighty tool to avoid sensitive data pools in the first place and would help data protection.
How has covid-19 affected what you do?
Many clients have met my kids now. I really should be able to lock my office at home! Professionally, being a data lawyer, I am lucky that there is always more than enough work. In fact, the pandemic has sped up some digitalisation projects.
What’s the next big thing – what data opportunities are companies now looking at?
The maturity of data use varies a lot across clients. Some clients are still determining how to pool and use (or trade) their data, others are now introducing AI tools into their existing and established smart data projects.
What’s keeping companies worried at the moment – what are some key data risks?
Fines under the GDPR have become a realistic risk as proven by some very high fines. Furthermore, data subjects are starting to claim damages based on violations of the GDPR. Finally, the Schrems II decision still keeps companies busy.
What do you do to relax?
On weekends I try to take my family for little excursions into nature. During the week I like to work out and I read fiction every night – usually science fiction. Always good to think about the future when data is part of your professional life.