Source: Privacy Commissioner
Privacy authorities from 14 jurisdictions met last week to share information on emerging technology and challenges to privacy regulation.
The Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) Forum provides privacy authorities in our region with an opportunity to form partnerships and to discuss best practices.
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster, who chaired the two-day forum, says it’s important that common privacy issues and challenges can be discussed with other privacy authorities.
“The APPA Forum is a great way to learn about the efforts other jurisdictions are making to anticipate and regulate global privacy disruptors such as AI and biometrics, as well as exchanging ideas about privacy regulation and the management of privacy breaches.”
“Emerging technologies are an issue we all face, and there are several different approaches to how the associated privacy challenges are managed. The APPA Forum helps us all learn from our various experiences.”
Issues discussed at APPA 63 included Artificial Intelligence, the use of biometrics for retail crime and public safety, and the importance of ensuring privacy regulation is fit for purpose in the digital age.
APPA was formed in 1992 and is the principal forum for privacy and data protection authorities in the Asia Pacific region. Members meet twice a year to discuss and focus on different topical issues. Each year one of the forums is virtual, and one is in person. New Zealand hosted the 2025 virtual forum (APPA 63) on 11-12 June.
Past topics discussed include cross-border privacy rules, children’s online privacy, employee surveillance, artificial intelligence, and privacy-enhancing technologies.
The 14 jurisdictions that attended APPA 63 were Australia and the states of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, Canada and the state of British Columbia, the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions of China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and the state of California from the United States of America.
