The Sedona Conference Working Group 11 2021 Annual Meeting

The Sedona Conference Working Group 11 (WG11) Annual Meeting 2021 was a virtual event held on April 14-15, 2021, focusing on data security and privacy liability. Organized by The Sedona Conference, a nonprofit research and educational institute dedicated to advancing law and policy in areas such as antitrust, complex litigation, intellectual property, and data security and privacy law, the meeting aimed to foster dialogue and develop consensus-based principles and best practices in these fields.

Key topics addressed during the meeting included interpreting and applying "risk-of-harm" triggers in breach notification statutes, federal preemption of U.S. state privacy and data security statutes, the potential need for a second edition of the WG11 Commentary on Attorney-Client Privilege and Work-Product Protection in the cybersecurity context, legal and policy considerations regarding bans on facial recognition technology, and the challenges of COVID-19 related data collection and processing in balancing public health needs with privacy mandates.

The event featured sessions led by esteemed dialogue leaders from various sectors, including legal practitioners, academics, and government officials. Notable participants included Kate Baxter-Kauf from Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP, David Berger of Gibbs Law Group LLP, Commissioner Jill Clayton from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, and Professor Woodrow Hartzog from Northeastern University School of Law. These experts facilitated in-depth discussions, providing diverse perspectives on the complex issues at hand.

The meeting was designed for professionals involved in data security and privacy law, including attorneys, compliance officers, policymakers, and academics. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues, contribute to the development of best practices, and stay informed about emerging trends and challenges in the field. The collaborative environment encouraged the sharing of insights and experiences, fostering a community dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of data security and privacy principles.