Westminster eForum

This conference is examining the next steps for UK online advertising regulation.

It will be a timely opportunity to discuss themes in the Online Advertising Programme consultation, as well as key issues for advertising in measures outlined in the Online Safety Bill.

Delegates will also look at the potential impact of wider policy and legislation - and what it means for the sector, its customers and partners, and for the future development of online marketing in the UK.

Areas for discussion in the agenda include:

• policy - the Online Advertising Programme - the Online Safety Bill - diversity - implications of wider developments including in gambling advertising, medicines, cryptocurrencies and novel foods
• impact - what a single set of rules for platforms, publishers and intermediaries means for the range of advertising stakeholders
• regulatory frameworks - regulator roles and remits - opportunities for collaboration in a changing framework - key issues for privacy and fair competition
• regulatory implementation - understanding impact on consumers - tackling harmful and misleading ads - transparency, accountability and responsibilities - proportionality in regulatory change
• market development - trends and dynamics - meeting industry and consumer priorities - targeting and service innovation - online safety - protecting vulnerable individuals and groups

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Guy Parker, Chief Executive, ASA; and Ruth Wye, Head of Online Advertising Programme, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport - as well as contributions from Stephen Almond, Director of Technology and Innovation, ICO; and Will Hayter, Senior Director, Digital Markets Unit.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from CMA; DCMS; National Cyber Security Centre; OHID; Ofcom; and the OPSS - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords. 

This conference will examine the future of digital payments in the UK.

Areas for discussion include:

• sector development - digital payments use ◦ market trends post-pandemic ◦ challenges ◦ growth areas & opportunities ◦ competition ◦ resilience
• regulation - update from the Payment Systems Regulator on their priorities ◦ the wider regulatory landscape ◦ latest developments ◦ options for reform
• standardisation - the migration to ISO 20022 ◦ impact ◦ sector priorities
• innovation - priorities ◦ open banking systems ◦ green & transparency-focused technologies ◦ cloud, biometrics & AI ◦ contactless, app & mobile systems ◦ ease of access & reliability
• consumers - use of new processes & technologies ◦ user experience ◦ improving public information, trust & engagement ◦ tackling fraud & security issues ◦ access, reliability & inclusion
• cryptocurrency - integration into digital payments systems ◦ role in UK payments options ◦ feasibility of a UK Central Bank Digital Currency ◦ learning from international development of CBDCs

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Tony Craddock, Director General, Emerging Payments Association; Andrew Self, Senior Policy Manager, Payment Systems Regulator; and Kirsty Innes, Director, Digital Government Unit, The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from HM Treasury; DMU - CMA; HMRC; Home Office; GLD; the ICO; DCMS; the Department for the Economy, NI; DHSC; DIT; NAO; The Scottish Government and the Welsh Government.

This conference will examine the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, as well as wider issues relating to the UK approach to AI. 

It will be an opportunity to consider the implications of the Strategy for stakeholders, society and the UK economy - and what will be needed if its aims are to be achieved.

Areas for discussion include:

• planning, investment, market development, and transition to an AI-enabled economy
• governance on both a UK and international level, and securing the UK’s leadership position in the global AI ecosystem

We are very pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Blake Bower, Director, Office for Artificial Intelligence; Tabitha Goldstaub, Co-Founder, CogX; and Chair, UK Artificial Intelligence Council; Stephen Almond, Director, Technology and Innovation, Information Commissioner’s Office; and Louise Sheridan, Deputy Director, Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation.

The agenda will bring out latest thinking on:

• the National AI Strategy - priorities for stakeholders - delivery issues - success factors - benchmarks
• market development - R&D and innovation - partnerships and knowledge exchange - skills and diversity - infrastructure and access to data - adoption and commercialisation
• societal benefit - role in sustainability and net-zero ambitions - improving health outcomes - productivity - economic growth and regional development
• the governance system - legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks - data use - supporting innovation - trust building

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the CMA; CCS; DAERA, NI; Defra; DSTL; DCMS; DIT; DHSC; DLUHC; DfT; DWP; European Space Agency; FCDO; FSA; Government Office for Science; HSE; HMRC; HMCTS; Home Office; ICO; IPO; MCA; MoD; MoJ; NAO; NCA; NS&I; National Security Strategic Investment Fund; Ofcom; POST; UKHSA; and the Welsh Government.

This conference will examine priorities for online regulation in the UK and the outlook for the draft Online Safety Bill including new criminal offences and further measures for platforms that are being added to a revised bill.

It will be a timely opportunity to discuss the Online Safety Bill, as well as further measures outlined in the Online Harms White Paper.

Areas for discussion include:

• the potential impact of measures in the Bill across the tech and related sectors, online users and other stakeholder groups
• implications and practicalities for regulation
• wider options for reducing online harm
• protections for users - including privacy and the rights of children - alongside political discourse, journalism, and free expression
• the social responsibility of online platforms
• priorities for protecting children and young people online - media literacy, creating safe spaces online, and learning from the ICO’s Age Appropriate Design Code

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Sarah Connolly, Director, Security and Online Harms, DCMS; Richard Wronka, Director for Online Harms, Ofcom; and Professor Lorna Woods, Professor of Internet Law, University of Essex - as well as contributions from BT; Childnet International; Google; Meta; Information Commissioner’s Office; Osborne Clarke; Snap; techUK; and TikTok.

The chairs are Baroness Beeban Kidron, Founder and Chair, 5Rights Foundation; and Rt Hon Jeremy Wright QC MP, former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DCMS; Ofcom; the NCA; the CMA; the ICO; BEIS; Defra; the Department for Communities, NI; DIT; the FCDO; the FSA; the GLD; HMRC; the Home Office; the IPO; Office of Communications; Office of the Children’s Commissioner; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both House of Parliament and POST.

This conference focuses on the development of quantum technologies in the UK.

Stakeholders and policymakers will discuss priorities for:

• the quantum ecosystem - developing research relationships, infrastructure, and expertise
• commercialisation - encouraging uptake and preparing for a quantum-ready economy
• regulation - developing the legal and standards framework to support sector growth
• key initiatives - the work of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme and Quantum Technology Hubs, and the anticipated National Quantum Computing Centre
• innovation - support for emerging tech companies
• sector development - developing use cases and business planning for key sectors
• societal contribution - utilising quantum to meet wider challenges around productivity and sustainability
• international positioning - building global partnerships, and supporting the UK to be a leader in the development and use of quantum technology

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Sir Peter Knight, Chair, UK National Quantum Technology Programme Strategic Advisory Board; and Chair, Quantum Metrology Institute, National Physical Laboratory (pre-recorded contribution); Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director - Quantum Technologies, UKRI; and Dr Richard Pitwon, CEO, Resolute Photonics; Chair, IEEE UK and Ireland Photonics Chapter and Quantum Group; and Member, Focus Group on Quantum Technologies, CEN/CENELEC.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; CMA; Defra; the Dstl; the DHSC; the DCMS; DIT; the DfT; the FCDO; the Government Office for Science; HMRC; Home Office; the ICO; the IPO; the MoJ; the NCA; the NSSIF; NSTIx; Ofcom; the OLS; UKSA and the ESA; and The Scottish Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from POST.

This conference will examine priorities and prospects for digital transformation in the public sector, including for procurement, relationships with partners outside government, and the launch of the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO).

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Megan Lee, Director of Strategy, Central Digital and Data Office; and Yvonne Gallagher, Digital Director, NAO - as well as case studies from Dr Rishi Das-Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Health Innovation Network South London; and a senior speaker confirmed from BusOpenData, Department of Transport.

Discussion will bring out latest thinking and priorities for:

• the CDDO - priorities for its work on the efficiency of government services and training, and its relationship with Government Digital Services (GDS)
• procurement and partnerships - what is needed to improve procurement processes and how public and private sector partners work together
• local and central government systems - optimising IT performance, management, sustainability, and value for money
• data - improving usage to inform policy and improve services, and developing collaboration and data sharing across public sector teams
• skills development - driving digital literacy and working with partners on training

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from UK Government; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; DCMS; Defra; DLUHC; DIT; DHSC; DfE; DfT; DIT; DSTL; DWP; Geospatial Commission; the FSA; HMRC; the Home Office; ICO; IPO; Ofcom; The Scottish Government; Transport for Wales; the UK Health Security Agency; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

This conference will consider the priorities for the future of data protection and regulation in the UK in the context of key developments, including:

• the consultation on the future of the UK’s data regime, building on the National Data Strategy
• plans to reform the role and scope of the ICO
• the development of future ‘data adequacy’ partnerships to boost growth and trade

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Louise Byers, Director of Planning Risk and Governance, ICO; Emily Keaney, Director of Legislative Reform, ICO; Harry Lee, Deputy Director, Data Protection and Data Rights, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; Isabel Ost, Solicitor, Head of Data Protection, KPMG Law; Vivienne Artz, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, IAPP; and Head, Data Working Group, International Regulatory Strategy Group; and Wendy Wagner, Partner, Gowling WLG.

This will be a timely opportunity to consider next steps for adapting policy and regulation to support the safe use of data, and for delivering an effective regulatory regime that also facilitates innovation.

In addition, delegates will look at what is needed at a global level, discussing the role of international data adequacy agreements, what can be learned from international best practice for data protection and regulation, and priorities for the International Data Transfers Expert Council.

Sessions in the agenda include:

• data protection and the evolving international landscape - trends and issues
• the UK data protection regime and the evolving role of the ICO - assessing reform
• supporting data sharing and innovation across the UK economy - adapting regulation and policy
• an international perspective on data protection, regulation, and enforcement - case study
• future data adequacy partnerships:
  
  • prospects for trading opportunities
  • international collaboration and economic growth
  • implications for the UK
• UK data protection policy and the development of the UK’s future data regime - next steps

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from the CMA; the Cabinet Office; the CPS; the DCMS; the DfE; the DfT; the DHSC; the DIT; the DSTL; DWP; the FCDO; the Food Standards Agency; the GLD; HMRC; the Home Office; the ICO; the IPO; the MoJ; the NCA; Ofcom; the OLS; the OSR; the OPSS; The Scottish Government; UK Health Security Agency; UK Statistics Authority; the Welsh Government; and the WRA - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

This conference is bringing together key stakeholders and policymakers to consider the next steps for UK spectrum policy and regulation.

The discussion takes place in the context of Supporting the UK’s wireless future, the 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme and the 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy.

Overall, sessions in the agenda will look at:

• Ofcom’s spectrum management strategy
• spectrum sharing
• licensing and regulation
• innovation
• policy

We also expect discussion looking at international spectrum policy and relationships, with the European Commission’s  recently published cross-border spectrum policy and the expected publication of its full proposals on space traffic management.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Ed Freeman, Head of Domestic Spectrum Policy, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; and Justin Moore, Principal Policy Advisor, Ofcom.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; Ofcom; the DCMS; UK Space Agency; the Cabinet Office; DfT; DIT; GLD; the Home Office; the Isle Of Man Government; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.

This conference will discuss next steps for digital competition policy and regulation in the UK, with a particular focus on policy priorities, its implementation and prospects, and what it means for businesses, innovation, and consumer choice.

Building from the Furman Review, the conference takes place against a backdrop of significant policy developments, including:

• the now closed consultation on the Government’s proposals for a pro-competition regime for digital markets
• The Penrose Report - outlining options for promoting competition in the UK, with a focus on consumer protection
• the Government’s overall Plan for Digital Regulation, aimed at governing digital technologies and creating a streamlined regulatory landscape

Discussion will focus on:

• the proposed role, remit, and powers of the Digital Markets Unit
• striking a balance between robust regulation and facilitating innovation
• policy priorities for encouraging dynamism in big tech companies
• developing a fair and transparent code of conduct for firms with Strategic Market Status
• ensuring market intervention promotes competition and priorities for facilitating new market entrants

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the CMA; DCMS; the DHSC; the EU Delegation to the UK; the Food Standards Agency; the Geospatial Commission; the GLD; HMRC; HM Treasury; the Home Office; the ICO; the NAO; the NCA; Ofcom; the UK Health Security Agency; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.

This conference will be an opportunity to discuss priorities for network modernisation and ensuring competition in the sector, as well as the practical challenges of moving to an all IP-based landline system.

The discussion takes place in the context of:

• regulatory changes outlined in Ofcom’s consultation on the Wholesale Voice Markets Review for 2021-26
• the Ofcom auction of the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum and the continued development of 5G services
• planned upgrades to landline infrastructure, including the intended migration to an all IP-based system delivered over broadband
• the CMA giving final UK regulatory approval of the merger between Virgin and O2 following initial concerns over wholesale voice market competition
• Ofcom’s consultation on the future of telephone numbers as it reviews its National Telephone Numbering Plan

Sessions in the agenda look at:

• the Wholesale Voice Markets Review:
  
  • with a keynote contribution from Brian Potterill, Director, Mobile Network Strategy, Ofcom
  • evaluating key stakeholder perspectives on competition, modernisation, and Ofcom’s National Telephone Numbering Plan
• consumers - assessing the impact of changing habits and the use of landline and mobile services, addressing the problem of scam calls, evaluating the termination rate cap, and ensuring the best deal for service users
• an all IP-based landline system - priorities for tackling the practical challenges for migration, infrastructure, regulation, and communication with consumers and business

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DCMS; the ICO; the National Cyber Security Centre; Ofcom; the Home Office; DIT; the Department for the Economy, NI; HMRC; the Government Legal Department; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.  

This conference will examine policy priorities for improving the use of data across the economy and next steps for the National Data Strategy.

It will be a timely opportunity for discussion following the Government’s response to the consultation on the National Data Strategy and as it outlines plans to consult on the future of the country’s data regime, including on the role of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from:

• Stephen Bonner, Executive Director, Regulatory Futures and Innovation, ICO
• Phil Earl, Deputy Director, Data Strategy, Implementation and Evidence, DCMS
• Fedelma Good, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Jon Nash, Fellow, Demos
• Sarah Snelson, Director, Frontier Economics

The agenda will bring out latest thinking on:

• growing the data economy in the UK and the key challenges in enabling the flow of data
• the future market for the use of data and how it can drive service design and economic growth
• the future for regulation and data protection policies and the role of the Information Commissioner’s Office
• next steps for the National Data Strategy

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the CMA; the DCMS; the DfT; the DIT; the DHSC; the DTSL; the DWP; the Government Digital Service; the GLD; the Geospatial Commission; HMRC; the Home Office; the ICO; the IPO; the NAO; the NCA; Ofcom; UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

This conference will examine priorities for the rollout and adoption of 5G in the UK - including the implementation of the 5G Supply Chain Diversification strategy, improving coverage, the future of regulation and innovation, and next steps for research and development.

It will be a timely opportunity to consider progress made towards achieving the Government’s ambition for the majority of the population to have access to 5G by 2027, as well as coordination with wider policy ambitions for reducing digital inequalities for individuals, communities, and within regional economies.

Delegates will also consider developments around innovation, such as the adoption of Open RAN and Ofcom’s Supporting the UK’s Wireless Future strategy.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from: Robert Driver, Head, UK5G; Tony Sceales, Head of Programme Development, 5G Programme, DCMS; Dr Michael Short, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for International Trade; and Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli, Director and Founder, Institute of Communication Systems and 5G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey.

Sessions in the agenda include:

• delivering 5G in the UK - progress, priorities for policy and stakeholders, and learning from the 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme
• supporting UK development and innovation
• the 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy - Open RAN adoption, resilience and security, and accessibility to the supply chain for new entrants
• facilitating R&D, fostering innovation, and developing industry partnerships
• international uptake of 5G and the potential for growth and collaboration for the UK
• infrastructure development and broadening coverage - tackling the key challenges for rolling out 5G across the UK and enhancing consumer experience

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the DCMS; the DfT; the DIT; the Department for the Economy, NI, the GLD; HMRC; HM Treasury; the National Crime Agency; Ofcom; Transport Scotland; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will discuss progress, key issues, and next steps for meeting the Government’s targets for delivering gigabit-capable broadband.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with David Clarkson, Director, Competition Policy, Ofcom; James Heath, Chief Executive Officer, National Infrastructure Commission; Paul Norris, Executive Chair, Building Digital UK (BDUK), DCMS; and Dr Matt Yardley, Managing Partner, Analysys Mason.

It takes place in the context of Project Gigabit, which is aiming to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to at least 85% of UK premises by 2025.

Delegates will discuss progress and priorities for the future delivery of Project Gigabit, as well as Ofcom’s decisions on the regulatory framework relating to competition and investment in fibre networks, and the work of the DCMS Gigabit Take-up Advisory Group (GigaTAG).

Overall, the agenda will bring out latest thinking on:

• regulation - the future framework for the wholesale telecoms market and what it means for broadband delivery across the UK
• rollout - progress and key issues for meeting the Government’s 2025 target for gigabit broadband coverage, with discussion on investment, infrastructure, planning, and practical challenges
• competition - looking at the impact of the 2025 target on the market, the supply chain, and associated retail services
• wider impact - unlocking the broader benefits of gigabit broadband and the potential role of ultrafast connectivity in supporting economic development, regional growth, and decarbonisation
• uptake - key issues and priorities for broadband customers, including improving reliability, coverage, reducing not-spots, and enabling simple switching

Attendees

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Cabinet Office; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for Education; the Department for International Trade; the Department for the Economy, NI; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the National Audit Office; the National Infrastructure Commission; Ofcom; the Office for National Statistics; The Scottish Government; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government. Also due to attend are representatives from BT; Cartesian; Community Fibre; DMSL; Fibrus Networks; Glide; Jacobs UK; Kelly Group; Marketing; National Farmers' Union; Openreach; Operis; Plum Consulting London; Prism Business Consulting; PwC; Scottish Futures Trust; University of Leeds; VX Fiber; and Which?.

Press passes have been reserved by representatives from Advanced Television; Computer Weekly; Satellite Evolution Group; TelcoTitans; Total Telecom; and ZDNet.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials are made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will look at priorities for regulating emerging technology in the UK following the publication of Digital Regulation: Driving growth and unlocking innovation from DCMS, which outlines the overall policy vision for governing digital technologies as well as plans for a more coherent and streamlined regulatory landscape.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from Sarah Montgomery, Deputy Director, Regulatory Horizons Council and International, Better Regulation Executive, BEIS; Simon Parnall, Programme Director, Broadcast, Media and Gaming Technology, Ofcom; as well as Dr Scott Steedman, Director-General, Standards, British Standards Institute; and Dr Peter Waggett, Director, Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation, IBM.

Overall, sessions in the agenda look at:

• the impact of emerging technology on the shifting landscape for regulation
• legal, policy, security, and regulatory priorities - stakeholder views on supporting innovation while understanding risks, regulatory agility, IP, and strategies for effective knowledge sharing across sectors
• supporting adoption:
  
  • the practical impact of emerging technology on solving real-world challenges
  • skills development and promoting career paths
• priorities for research and development and tackling barriers to cross-sector collaboration
• supporting innovation, facilitating investment in emerging technologies, and engagement across the public and private sectors
• policy priorities - including the way forward for cross-sector standardisation and promoting the UK’s role as a global leader in the development and use of emerging tech

We also expect discussion on how the regulatory framework can most effectively support the use of emerging technology in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and as part of wider policy initiatives, such as sustainability and net-zero ambitions.

Attendees

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; the Competition and Markets Authority; DAERA, NI; the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory; Defra; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Geospatial Commission; the Government Communications Headquarters; the Government Legal Department; the Government Office for Science; the Health and Safety Executive; HM Revenue & Customs; HM Treasury; the Home Office; the Information Commissioner’s Office; the Intellectual Property Office; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; the Military Aviation Authority; the Ministry of Defence; the Ministry of Justice; the National Crime Agency; Ofcom; the Office for Life Sciences; the Office for Product Safety and Standards; the UK Space Agency; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government. Also due to attend are representatives from the AIRTO; ARPAS-UK; Arqiva; BT; Burges Salmon; Cardiff Metropolitan University; Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Clifford Chance; Connected Places Catapult; Gemserv; Glide; Gowling WLG; Healys; Innovate UK; Liverpool John Moores University; Loughborough University; Russells; The Chartered Institute for IT; University College London; and Wiggin.

Press passes have been reserved by representatives from Satellite Evolution Group and ZDNet.

For this conference, as is typical of our meetings, we expect speakers and other delegates to be an informed group comprised of Members of both Houses of Parliament, and senior government officials involved in this area of public policy, together with regulators, as well as from other stakeholders in artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, spectrum, and quantum development including tech companies, investment groups, engineering firms, IT and software developers, law firms and patent attorneys, consultancy groups, social media companies, telecoms and media groups, market researchers, transport groups, as well as researchers in academia and higher education, as well as reporters from the national and specialist media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials are made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will be a timely opportunity to examine the Government’s Online Advertising Programme - which is considering the current framework for regulating online advertising and fraudulent, misleading, or harmful content - as well as priorities for ongoing work to ensure the regulation of online advertising is reflective of the evolving digital market.

We are delighted to be able to include keynote addresses from:

• Dr Nicola Mazzarotto, Global Head of Economics, KPMG
• Guy Parker, Chief Executive Officer, Advertising Standards Authority
• Jon Riley, Director, Consumer Protection, Competition and Markets Authority
• Ruth Wye, Head of Online Advertising Programme, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Attendees

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Information Commissioner's Office; Ofcom; and the Office for Product Safety and Standards. Also due to attend are representatives from A+E Networks; Advertising Standards Authority (ASA); Airbnb UK; Alcohol Focus Scotland; Amazon UK; Analysys Mason; Arqiva; Bates Wells Braithwaite London; BBC; Better Collective; BGL Group; BPI; BT; Burges Salmon; CAP; Carnegie UK; CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang; Discovery; dmgmedia; Frontier Economics; Fundraising Regulator; Google; Gumtree.com; Herbert Smith Freehills; IOP Publishing; ISBA; Lewis Silkin; Macmillan Cancer Support; Motors.co.uk; Omnicom Media Group UK; Pinsent Masons; Reynolds Porter Chamberlain; Russells Solicitors; Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe; TikTok; UK Finance; and University of Essex.

Press passes have been reserved by representatives from TechCrunch and The Complaining Cow.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials are made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

When it happened…

Monday, 13 September 2021

What delegates came to discuss…

This conference will discuss priorities for the new cyber security strategy as it is prepared by the Government, with its publication anticipated for later this year, following the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.

The discussion also takes place as the Telecoms Security Bill continues its progress through Parliament. The Bill aims to improve the security of the UK’s telecommunications networks, including measures such as the introduction of Telecoms Security Requirements (TSRs) and a new general duty for Ofcom to ensure telecoms providers comply with security duties.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote addresses including:

• Developing the UK’s Cyber Security Strategy - progress and next steps - from Erika Lewis, Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Strategies for cooperation on a world stage - strengthening international partnerships, and promoting a free, open, peaceful, and secure cyberspace - from Dr Claudia Natanson, Chair, UK Cyber Security Council
• Improving the UK's cyber resilience in the face of emerging threats - from Irfan Hemani, Deputy Director - Cyber Security, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Managing cyber risk and underpinning digital prosperity - key considerations for the public and private sector - from Kevin Brown, Managing Director, BT Security

Who attended…

Officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; the Department for International Trade; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Geospatial Commission; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Information Commissioner's Office; the National Audit Office; the National Crime Agency; the National Cyber Security Centre; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; the Department for the Economy, NI; The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; and the Welsh Revenue Authority.

Representatives from Al-Hasaniya Morocan Women's Project; Baringa Partners; BCL Solicitors; Census Labs; Cheltenham Ladies' College; Cullen International SA; CyTAL; Financial Reporting Council; Ipsos MORI; Jonas Software UK; Local Government Association; LoCTA; Mayer Brown International; NATS; Omdia; Pinsent Masons; Slaughter and May; Spirent Communications; Taylor Wessing; Tendring District Council; University of Greenwich; and Yoti.

Press: Diginomica; Infosecurity Magazine; and S&P Global.

When it happened…

Wednesday, 21 July 2021

What delegates came to discuss…

This conference will examine latest developments in biometrics and digital identity - as well as priorities for future regulation and its use in the UK.

It will be an opportunity to discuss the Government’s UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework policy paper - which sets out a framework for the principles, policies, procedures, and standards governing the use of digital identity and data, and aims to enable interoperability and increase public confidence - as the Government seeks stakeholder views before publishing the next iteration in the summer.

Speaking as it was published, the Minister for Digital Infrastructure, Matt Warman MP, said:

“Establishing trust online is absolutely essential if we are to unleash the future potential of our digital economy.

Our aim is to help people confidently verify themselves while safeguarding their privacy so we can build back better and fairer from the pandemic.”

Proposals included in the framework include:

• having a data management policy which explains how data is created, obtained, disclosed, protected, and deleted
• following industry standards and best practice for information security and encryption 
• telling the user if any changes have been made to their digital identity, for example an update to their address
• where appropriate, having a detailed account recovery process and notifying users if organisations suspect someone has fraudulently accessed their account or used their digital identity
• guidance on how to choose secure authenticators to protect online services

The conference also comes with the appointment of the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Professor Fraser Sampson, who we are pleased to be able to include as a keynote speaker at this conference.

Further keynote contributors include: Professor Watson Gandy, Chair, Home Office Biometrics and Forensic Ethics Group - as well as Dr Ana Beduschi, Associate Professor of Law, University of Exeter Law School; Julie Dawson, Head of Regulation and Policy, Yoti; Professor James Ferryman, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science; Member, Computational Vision Group, University of Reading; and Reema Patel, Associate Director, Ada Lovelace Institute.

The agenda will bring out latest thinking on:

• ethical considerations and regulatory priorities
• priorities for building robust digital identity infrastructures
• developing the market for digital identity services - including examining the role of APIs in improving privacy, security, and interoperability across online services

Who attended…

Officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for Education; the Government Digital Service; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Information Commissioner's Office; the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; the National Cyber Security Centre; The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; and the Welsh Revenue Authority.

Representatives from Baker & McKenzie; Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner; BT; Credit Suisse; Freshfields; Linklaters; Metropolitan Police Service; Monzo Bank; Pinsent Masons; Sky UK; Taylor Wessing; The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; UK Finance; University of Aberdeen; University of Oxford and West London Centre for Counselling.

Press: Infosecurity Magazine; MLex and ZDNet.

Westminster eForum keynote seminar
Next steps for protecting children online
Morning, Tuesday, 29th June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for developing the UK’s drone sector
Morning, Monday, 28th June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

When it happened…

Wednesday, 7 July 2021

What delegates came to discuss…

This conference will examine the next steps for taking forward the AI roadmap, and the outlook for artificial intelligence in the UK.

It is timed to feed in to the development of the Government’s planned National AI Strategy, and follows the publication of the AI Roadmap earlier this year from the AI Council, which provides recommendations for strategy - as well as the AI review from UKRI, setting out opportunities for unlocking its potential across the UK.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from: Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science, Southampton University, and UK AI Skills Champion; Stephen Bonner, Executive Director, Regulatory Futures and Innovation, Information Commissioner’s Office; Jeremy Darot, Head of Data Innovation, The Scottish Government; Tabitha Goldstaub, Co-founder, CogX, and Chair, UK Government’s AI Council; Sana Khareghani, Deputy Director, Head of Office for Artificial Intelligence; and Jessica Smith, Deputy Director, Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation.

Areas for discussion include:

• the AI roadmap - priorities for taking the roadmap forward, and next steps for developing a national strategy
• AI-driven decision making - tackling biases and improving transparency
• the development of AI services - and priorities for developing the data infrastructure and research and development systems needed
• establishing UK leadership - the UK’s role as a world leader in AI and emerging technology, and ensuring the availability of skills and resources

Who attended…

Officials from BEIS; British Embassy Hanoi; British High Commission; the Cabinet Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; the Competition and Markets Authority; the DCMS; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the DHSC; the DWP; Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the Geospatial Commission; the Government Communications Headquarters;  the Government Legal Department; the Government Office for Science; the Health and Safety Executive; HM Revenue & Customs; HM Treasury; the Home Office; Information Commissioner’s Office; the Intellectual Property Office; the Joint Air Quality Unit; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; the Ministry of Defence; the Ministry of Justice; the National Audit Office; the National Cyber Security Centre; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency and the Welsh Government.

Representatives from 1Spatial; Arqiva; Arthur Cox; Baringa Partners; BPE Solicitors; BPI; British Educational Suppliers Association; Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner; BT; BT Group; Cambridge Consultants; City University of London; Contego Sports; Coproduce Care; Cranfield University; defenddigitalme; Deloitte; Digital Jersey; Durham University; Elsevier; Foot Anstey; Genuit Group; Government Internal Audit Agency; Innovate UK; Ipathdigital Community Interest Company; Jacobs; Jisc; Jonas Software UK; Loughborough University; Manufacturing Technology Centre; Microsoft; Monzo Bank; Music Publishers Association; National Institute for Health Research; NETSCC; New College of Humanities, London; NHS Digital; Oxford Brookes University; Pinsent Masons; Playtech; Royal Air Force; SAGE Publishing; Sky UK; Slaughter and May; Taylor & Francis; Technation; Teesside University; The Centre for Modelling & Simulation; The Data Lab; The eAssessment Association; Trilateral Research; UK Open Government Network - algorithmic working group; University of Bath; University of Buckingham; University of Edinburgh; University of Leeds; University of Northumbria; University of Nottingham; University of Surrey; WarnerMedia; West of England AHSN and Which?.
Press: AI Business; IT Pro; Satellite Evolution Group; Warren Communications News and ZDNet.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for UK data protection
Morning, Wednesday, 23rd June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for the digital payments
Morning, Thursday, 10th June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for UK mobile - market dynamics, coverage, spectrum and 5G development
Morning, Thursday, 29th April 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine the way forward for regulation and competition in digital markets, and the evolving role of platforms.

Areas for discussion include:

• the role of the Digital Markets Unit in addressing digital competition issues going forward, and what further action might be needed from policymakers and regulators
• the international regulatory landscape
• the evolving role of platforms and regulation in tackling online harm

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from: the DCMS; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the CMA; the DfT; DHSC; the DIT; the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom; the Government Legal Department; HMRC; HM Treasury; the Information Commissioner’s Office; the Intellectual Property Office; Ofcom; and the Prime Minister’s Office; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

The agenda

• Competition regulation in the global digital economy - the evolving landscape
• Developing a competition regime for digital markets in the UK
• Addressing competition issues in digital markets - setting out clear guidelines, encouraging innovation and supporting smaller enterprises, and ensuring consumer benefit
• Next steps for international collaboration and developing effective digital competition frameworks worldwide
• The evolving role of platforms in tackling online harm - setting boundaries, freedom of expression, and the future for regulation
• Key priorities for the new Digital Markets Unit and policy in the UK

Areas for discussion:

• digital competition - the international landscape, and key developments in the sector
• regulation - priorities for developing a competition regime for digital markets in the UK, and the role of the Digital Markets Unit:
  
  • a code of conduct - looking at development and enforceability of a regime for platforms funded by digital advertising that are designated as having strategic market status
  • enforcement practicalities:
    
    • assessing what powers will be needed for the Digital Market Unit to be effective
    • looking at the ability to impose financial penalties for non-compliance, and introduce pro-competitive interventions
  • regulatory agility and future proofing - how can it be ensured that the Digital Markets Unit is able to adapt to changing market conditions and dynamics
  • SMEs and new entrants - the role of any future regulation framework in addressing barriers and supporting smaller players
  • M&A activity in digital markets - assessing its impact, as well as the role of regulation in fostering innovation and safeguarding consumer benefit
• international approaches to regulation - priorities, and what can be learned from developments and practice in different territories:
  
  • the impact of the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act:
    
    • with the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, writing in a column for Politico following events early this year: ‘Just as 9/11 marked a paradigm shift for global security, 20 years later we are witnessing a before-and-after in the role of digital platforms in our democracy’
• the US regulatory framework and whether steps are needed to curb the power of Big Tech:
  
  • including potential changes to Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act - under which internet platforms can publish and moderate content from third parties without being held legally liable for what they say 
• the evolving role of platforms in tackling online harm - and implications for future regulation and liability:
  
  • freedom of expression online - following a number of platforms banning President Trump following unrest in Washington DC, and removing support for Parler
  • online harm - assessing effectiveness of strategies and actions taken so far by online platforms and social media companies in tackling online harm, disinformation and misinformation
  • how regulation in the UK will need to adapt:
    
    • as Ofcom is appointed as regulator for online harms, alongside the setting up of the Digital Market Unit
    • with the Health Secretary commenting that the action of platforms 'raises regulation questions' going forward

The context for discussion:

• UK competition watchdog warns Big Tech of coming antitrust probes - FT interview with CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli, saying that the Authority will launch a series of antitrust investigations into Big Tech practices over the coming year
• regulating digital markets in the UK:
  
  • Oliver Dowden warns Facebook of UK crackdown on Big Tech - the Daily Telegraph reporting that the UK won’t shy away from intervening with Big Tech if it is in the public interest to do so, following the disputes between Facebook and the Australian government
  • the establishment of the Digital Markets Unit - within the Competition and Markets Authority, and designed to regulate digital markets in the UK
  • advice from the CMA’s Digital Markets Taskforce - on the design and implementation of a new regulatory regime for digital markets
  • Unlocking digital competition - the final report of the Digital Competition Expert Panel, chaired by Professor Jason Furman, which included a call for the creation of the Digital Markets Unit
  • Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers - the CMA’s Data, Technology and Analytics (DaTA) Unit has called for views following the publication of their report, which warns that the misuse of algorithms can reduce competition online and harm consumers
• international approaches to regulation:
  
  • the European Commission’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act - which aim to keep digital markets and services open and contestable across the EU, address competition concerns in fast-moving digital markets, better protect consumers, and encourage transparency
  • ongoing discussion in the US about whether steps are needed to curb the power of platforms
  • dispute between the Australian government and Facebook - after introduction of draft legislation seeking to redistribute advertising revenue from Google and Facebook to news outlets
• tackling online harm and implications for regulation:
  
  • the Online Harms White Paper - with aims to protect children and vulnerable people online, plans for a new duty of care, and government commitments to publishing an Online Safety Bill, which is expected to be published this year
  • appointment of Ofcom as online harms regulator - with plans to publish its initial thinking on its approach, also this year
  • vaccine misinformation - Facebook, Twitter and Google agreeing to work with public health bodies to promote factual and reliable messages, and limit the spread of misinformation and disinformation

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for Health and Social Care; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; HM Treasury; the Information Commissioner's Office; the Intellectual Property Office; Ofcom; and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government officials involved in this area of public policy, together with digital and social media platforms, consumer technology companies, digital advertising companies, data analytics companies, artificial intelligence and machine learning companies, other industry representatives from across the technology and digital sectors, lawyers and consultants with an interest in these topics, organisations and individuals representing the views of consumers and citizens, regulators, academics and reporters from the national and trade media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for decarbonising the UK tech sector - sector decarbonisation, international leadership, and the role of technology in meeting wider green challenges
Morning, Thursday, 6th May 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference focuses on next steps for the development of immersive technologies.

The discussion takes place with immersive tech regarded by industry and policymakers as set to have a major impact on the shape of entertainment and gaming, education and training, medicine, the emergency services, and a range of wider sectors and services.

The agenda will bring out latest thinking in areas including:

• research, emerging uses and their implications for sectors and the wider economy
• priorities for funding, collaboration and what is needed to support the pace of innovation
• issues around data, ethical issues and regulation
• how the UK can realise the economic, cultural and social benefits of VR, AR, MR and haptic technology

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the CMA; the DCMS; DIT; Department for The Economy, NI; the DfT; GCHQ; HMRC; the Home Office; the IPO; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the MOD; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda

• Developing the UK’s immersive technologies sector - progress so far and next steps for supporting innovation
• Taking forward immersive technology in the UK
  
  • Research and development in immersive technology in the UK - collaboration between universities and industry, and international partnerships
  • Funding and supporting emerging projects, and encouraging widespread uptake
• Addressing key issues around data, and wider ethical and regulatory implications of the latest developments in immersive technologies
• How can the UK realise the economic, cultural and social benefits of VR, AR, MR and haptic technology

Key areas for discussion:

• research and innovation - next steps and priorities for support, looking at:
  
  • the role of Digital Catapult - as well as tapping into the work of the Augmentor acceleration programme and Immersive Labs
  • UK competitive advantage - how best to build on strong research systems and established collaboration between the public sector, academia, and industry
  • international collaboration - the outlook for the future in the context of the end of the transition period, and the UK’s role in the international market
  • skills - next steps for developing the skills and training programmes required to support sector growth, and strategies for better working with education providers
• funding - assessing the evolving landscape:
  
  • assessing potential impact - examining new funding provision, such as from UKRI, and how it can best support innovation in the sector
  • funding distribution - how best to ensure financial support is spread effectively across the sector, as well as priorities for supporting start-ups and small businesses
  • investor relationships - making the sector attractive for investment and financing, and helping to connect businesses with prospective funding sources 
• connectivity - supporting the development of national infrastructure, such as 5G and consistent broadband, to enable sector growth 
• commercialisation - developing use cases and workable applications across diverse sectors, as well as tackling remaining technical and practical barriers to adoption and commercialisation, including:
  
  • video games and the arts - assessing the changing market and how immersive products and marketing are adapting to the impact of the pandemic
  • innovation and new opportunities - evolving the immersive tech offering, and its role in improving education and wellbeing
  • profile raising - what more can be done to demonstrate practical applications and possible use cases to support rollout
  • societal contribution - including the role of immersive tech in education and improving wellbeing, and in supporting economic recovery 
• driving growth - what more might be required from policymakers, research bodies, and businesses to support the sector and the UK’s international competitiveness going forward
• ethical and regulatory issues - how to address potential concerns around data use and protection arising from the widespread utilisation of immersive technologies, including personalised advertising, and how industry practice, regulation, and policy may need to respond

Relevant developments:

• Beyond the early adopter: widening the appeal for virtual reality - the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (PEC) outlining key principles for overcoming barriers to the adoption of immersive technology in the cultural industries
• Government response to the DCMS Select Committee Report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies - with commitments on research, online safety, esports, disinformation and diversity
• the Digital Catapult’s ongoing work on immersive technology - including its Augmentor acceleration programme supporting start-ups, Immersive Arcade showcasing UK innovation, and promulgating latest research and best practice, including in light of COVID-19, through its Immersive Audience Journey report
• £29m government funding to boost digital revolution and help keep people safe online - announcing support through UKRI, including testing how immersive technology can improve education, following previous funding through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund
• Supporting the UK’s Wireless Future - Ofcom’s consultation on plans to manage the use of the radio spectrum over the next decade in order to meet challenges, including those arising from connected devices and new applications - including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) - driving demand for faster, more reliable, and lower or more consistent latency Wi-Fi
• AI Roadmap - the AI Council’s independent report calling on the Government to establish a UK national strategy and to scale up investment
• Virtual reality: pandemic leads to rise in headset sales to escape lockdown - reported by The Times to be up by 350%

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Children's Media and the Arts, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the DCMS; the Department for International Trade; the Department for the Economy, NI; the Department for Transport; GCHQ; the Geospatial Commission; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Intellectual Property Office; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the Ministry of Defence; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine next steps for the National Data Strategy (NDS) - and the steps that will be needed for its key aims, including:

• growth - the Government achieving its aims for boosting the UK economy through the use of data
• safety - improving regulation around data protection and privacy

Delegates will assess the proposals in the Strategy and key issues for implementation, with discussion on:

• supporting business innovation, as well as the use of data and priorities for harnessing it to boost productivity and the economy
• improving the use of data in the delivery of services in local and national government
• data protection, privacy and safeguarding
• developing data skills
• IP issues and the future of the international flow of data - as the EU releases draft data adequacy decisions which support continued free flow of data between the EU and the UK

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from the Cabinet Office; DCMS; the CDEI; the CMA; DfT; DWP; the Geospatial Commission; Government Banking; the Government Legal Department; HMRC; Home Office; the IPO; the MOD; the MOJ; the NAO; the Office for Artificial Intelligence; the ONS; Ofcom; the Serious Fraud Office; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda

• The Data Strategy and next steps for implementation
• The use of data within government - improving usability, coordination, responsiveness, and service delivery
• Data protection, privacy and safeguarding - intellectual property, early indications following transition from the EU, and regulatory priorities going forward
• Developing data skills in the UK
• Next steps for developing the international flow of data
• Maximising the potential of data to boost the economy - supporting private sector innovation, closing labour market skills gaps, and improving productivity

Key areas for discussion:

• data and economic growth:
  
  • the potential - assessing policy and strategic priorities for unlocking the value of data across the economy, developing the skills base, and supporting productivity
  • infrastructure - how to support better use of data to inform development and need as outlined in the Strategy
  • resilience - priorities for the working group on developing the National Digital Twin of the UK’s infrastructure systems and built environment
  • interoperability and access - options for policy and industry in improving data availability and standards
  • the UK data sector - options for supporting:
    
    • innovation - and the commercialisation of research in data-driven enterprises and services
    • growth - in new and established businesses, research bodies and academic institutions involved in data services and R&D
    • international leadership - what will be need to secure the UK’s positioning in the sector globally
• data protection and privacy:
  
  • balancing strategic priorities:
    
    • data-driven economic growth - a focus for policy through encouragement of widespread uptake of digital technologies
    • security and regulatory agility - the development of a strong and sustainable data protection regime that is able to adapt over time
  • business use of data:
    
    • encouraging best practice - including options for incentivising responsivity and transparency, and for further regulation and legislation
    • data literacy - latest thinking on ways to develop citizen empowerment, backed by the skills and resources for choosing when to share personal data and how it is used
• data use in government:
  
  • the new Government Chief Data Officer - priorities for their role in developing the approach across the quality, coordination and use of data in government to improve services
  • coordination - creating joined-up data infrastructure with effective data sharing between organisations
  • efficiency - how to streamline the collection and management of data results, so as to improve service delivery and minimise burden on organisational resources and capacity
  • public trust - priorities for:
    
    • data protection - ensuring strong practices across the public sector
    • communication - strategies for greater clarity and transparency on the collection, governance and use of personal data
• data skills - how key challenges for developing data skills outlined in the NDS can be overcome, looking at:
  
  • a coordinated vision - what does it look like, and what are the roles of stakeholders in education, business and government in achieving it
  • priority skills - clarity on data skill sets most needed by the economy, and joining up the needs of employers with the aims of those entering education, training and the workforce
  • the education and training system:
    
    • education and qualifications providers - priorities for better integrating data skills into education provision, and preparing those entering the job market for the data economy
    • industry and policymakers and regulators - options for fostering the data and digital skills directly applicable to the workplace, including work placements and apprenticeships
  • data-skilled businesses - how organisations of all scales, including SMEs, can be supported in developing greater understanding and abilities in:
    
    • reducing inefficiencies and driving up quality and growth
    • investment decisions and understanding in leadership groups of organisational and operational strategy driven by the use of data
• the UK’s future standing in the international data landscape:
  
  • life outside the EU - implications of outcomes of data adequacy arrangements for European and global business links and flow of data following the UK’s transition from the EU
  • new relationships - next steps for developing effective international data sharing and partnerships with businesses, governments and agencies

Relevant developments:

• UK National Data Strategy consultation - with government analysing feedback on whether the NDS proposals are fit for purpose in relation to data opportunities, challenges and potential trade-offs
• ICO publishes new Data Sharing Code of Practice - including guidance for continued responsible data sharing
• new guidance from the CDEI - on the use of data in local government during COVID-19, and support the use of data-driven innovation
• New review into use of health data for research and analysis - launched by DHSC, which will feed into the forthcoming Data Strategy for Health and Social Care
• the National Infrastructure Strategy - setting sets out plans for transformation across the UK
• Enhancing the UK’s Geospatial Ecosystem - with development of the UK location data market highlighted in the Geospatial Commission’s recent report on growing the geospatial economy
• Addressing trust in public sector data use - the CDEI report highlighting the importance of alignment with societal values and expectations underpinned by consistency and clear communication
• Introducing the Government Data Quality Hub:
  
  • rebranding of the Government Statistical Service Quality Centre as the DQHub, with a wider remit to help improve data quality and analysis across government
  • The Government Data Quality Framework - from the DQHub with data quality action plans, guidance on metadata, and an introduction to data maturity models
• skills and leadership in government:
  
  • the ONS’s Data Science Campus training 500 data analysts across the public sector in cutting edge data science and tech fellowships to be offered each year in Downing Street
  • appointment of a Government Chief Data Officer to lead a whole-government approach to transform the use of data in government
• The future of citizen data systems - the Government Office for Science report of the way citizen data is governed, controlled and used in the UK and other countries, and current trends
• Online Harms White Paper - setting out plans for improving the regulatory landscape for combatting online harms and protecting personal data
• the Digital Strategy - which will outline further proposals for how the government will support a digital drive for growth
• Government Technology Innovation Strategy - which set out plans for improving the use of data and technology across government
• Industrial Strategy: building a Britain fit for the future - aiming to make the UK the world’s most innovative economy, as well as to spearhead the use of emerging technologies
• NHS COVID-19 app - promoting concerns from some around increased data sharing and privacy, and impact on the potential effectiveness of the Government’s test and trace strategy

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament, and officials from the Cabinet Office; the Centre For Data Ethics and Innovation; the CMA; DCMS; the Department for Transport; DWP; the Geospatial Commission; Government Banking; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Intellectual Property Office; the Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Justice; the National Audit Office; the Office for Artificial Intelligence; the Office for National Statistics; Ofcom; the Serious Fraud Office; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for supporting trade and investment for the UK tech sector
Morning, Friday, 30th April 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.