Irish Data Protection Commission hosts research symposium with ADAPT Centre on AI, child safety and digital regulation

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ireland has hosted a research symposium in Dublin in collaboration with the ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, bringing together academic experts to examine emerging issues in data protection, artificial intelligence governance and digital regulation across the European Union.

The event, held at the DPC’s Dublin office, convened researchers from multiple disciplines, including computer science, law, cognitive science, ethics and social sciences, to present work relevant to ongoing regulatory and policy challenges. Key areas of focus included children’s data protection, online safety, artificial intelligence regulation, age assurance mechanisms and the interaction between various EU digital regulatory frameworks.

The symposium provided staff of the Data Protection Commission Ireland with insights into current academic research and public engagement activities being undertaken by the ADAPT Centre. The collaboration is intended to strengthen knowledge exchange between regulators and researchers working on rapidly evolving digital technologies.

The event was organised in partnership with the ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, which contributes research across areas such as AI systems, data governance and human-centred computing.

Participants highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex regulatory challenges arising from digital transformation, particularly in relation to safeguarding children online and ensuring compliance with evolving EU digital policy instruments.

The DPC expressed appreciation to all guest speakers for their contributions and indicated its intention to continue engagement with the ADAPT Centre as part of ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory capacity and understanding of emerging technologies.