\tLIVE FROM GSMA MOBILE 360 MENA, DUBAI: Experts questioned the rationale behind GCC countries pursuing a cross-border data privacy framework similar to Europe, as they discussed specific challenges around protecting users the Middle East.<\/p>\n
In a panel session, Robert Middlehurst, Etisalat International\u2019s VP of regulatory affairs (pictured, third from left), said many regions are trying to \u201cmirror\u201d Europe\u2019s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), but suggested this may not be the best approach for the Middle East.<\/p>\n
\u201cEurope has its data protection laws and that\u2019s fine, but there is a massive question of competency that comes with it. Just having a piece of paper that says here is a data protection authority and we report to that is one thing. Until that data authority is fully populated, it is a huge risk. How will these rules be applied? How will it be managed?\u201d<\/p>\n
Middlehurst noted it took \u201cmany years\u201d for Europe to get to where it is today, including consultations and working groups to understand what the guidelines are, adding \u201cthey are still working on it\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are trying to compress, in this part of the world, processes that took many, many years. We are trying to apply European principles into a world that is not quite the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
Firas Oggar, general counsel at Zain Group (pictured, third from right) agreed enforcing such a framework will be a major challenge, but believes through coordination with national bodies \u201ccross border regulation can be in force\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LIVE FROM GSMA MOBILE 360 MENA, DUBAI: Experts questioned the rationale behind GCC countries pursuing …<\/p>\n
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