What do you do?
I devote most of my time to projects involving the adaptation of the Brazilian and global companies to the LGPD. I have participated in uncountable projects in all kinds of industries – especially financial services, health insurance, pharmaceuticals, drugstores, diagnostic laboratories and tech platforms.
I have also worked in structuring products and services involving data in the financial, health and social media networking markets. In addition to the platforms for social media, Brazil has increased its market in tech platforms for banks and payment institutions. The Central Bank of Brazil has issued new regulations in order to foster technology in the financial system, so being able to deal with data protection rules and banking secrecy law got me involved in the most relevant projects. To give an example, I have worked in the structuring of the first platform for open banking in Brazil.
Finally, due to the increase of cybersecurity incidents, I have assisted many companies in facing ransomware attacks.
Why data?
Believing in innovation and technological investment as a means to promote development in my country, searching for legal tools to encourage the social and economic development of a nation, being brave to creatively face legal issues to present proposals in a given legal system, demonstrating enthusiasm when faced with new challenges, sharing knowledge, and questioning doctrine and legal precedents when they no longer follow the nation’s evolution: all of these principles have always been present in my life. Since the start of my career, innovation was what motivated me when deciding which next steps to pursue. This is why I started to study and work with data protection, as it was a new topic in Brazil and most technology companies are data-driven.
What mentors or other influential figures have helped you get where you are today?
Many people were my mentors and angels during my career. The first angel was Elizabeth Zocchio, the founder and director of the school where I studied. She was very supportive during my years at school. After that, my professors at the University of São Paulo. Professionally, the partners of Pinheiro Neto where I have worked for 18 years, and the partners of Fenwick & West where I worked in Silicon Valley.
If you could change one data-related law, how and why would you change it?
I would make clear the application of banking secrecy law in relation to the new principles and provisions brought by the LGPD.
How has covid-19 affected what you do?
The pandemic created an increase in remote working and cybersecurity attacks in 2020 and the beginning of 2021. I have worked on more cases regarding cyberattacks and data breaches. In addition, we have assisted companies in dealing with data protection law when monitoring employees’ covid-19 symptoms or introducing testing.
Finally, we helped companies to go online and develop technology that has supported Brazilians during the lockdown.
What’s the next big thing – what data opportunities are companies now looking at?
The development of AI, and implementing financial-related products in view of the new Central Bank of Brazil regulations.
What’s keeping companies worried at the moment – what are some key data risks?
Data breaches, especially ransomware attacks and violation of confidentiality obligations by contractors and employees. Companies have been investing in security systems, training and internal procedures to deal with security incidents.
What do you do to relax?
I love sports. Currently, I am learning to play tennis. It has been a challenge but at the same time it is a relaxing time during my day. In addition, at the beginning of the pandemic, my husband and I adopted a French bulldog, Jolie, and she brings so much joy to my life.