Some privacy and data protection networks are arranged on the basis of common language or cultural affinities.
The following information sets out information about networks that involve GPA member authorities. Some of these networks involve only member authorities, while the others include participation of other regulators or government authorities having the same linguistic or cultural affinities.
The summaries are based upon publicly available information. Please notify the Secretariat of any errors or of any networks that have been overlooked.
Association francophone des autorites de protection des donnes personnelles (AFAPDP)
Description: The Francophone Association of Protection Authorities of the Personal Data (AFAPDP) was founded in September 2007 in Montreal to bring together independent data protection authorities from twenty-three (23) states and governments that share a common language, legal tradition, and values.
The AFAPDP seeks to promote the protection of personal data within their jurisdictions, strengthen the capacities of its members and promote Francophone vision and expertise in the international community. The AFAPDP aims to observe strict respect for human rights and protection of personal data while furthering the developments and innovations in the digital age. It also aims to collect and disseminate information about members within the Francophonie network, including the OIF and other institutional networks, while fostering cooperation with organizations and associations to advance data protection and democratic principles.
The members of the AFAPDP include:
- The independent authorities responsible for the protection of personal data and the privacy of countries and governments who share the French language (full members);
- Representatives of states and governments who share the French language and have adopted legislation but have not yet installed an independent authority (associate members);
- Representatives of other states and governments who share the French language who are interested in developing the rules of data protection, as well as regional and international organizations (observers);
- The peace Directorate, democracy and human rights OIF has observer to the General Assembly and the office.
Many AFAPDP members are GPA members and the AFAPDP itself is accredited as an observer of the GPA.
Website: The AFAPDP maintains a public website at https://www.afapdp.org/qui-sommes-nous.
Common Thread Network (CTN)
Description: The Common Thread Network (CTN) originated as a concept in 2013 when the data protection and privacy enforcement authorities of the Commonwealth countries agreed in principle to establish a network to regularly facilitate exchanges and formally convene to discuss privacy issues. It is a forum with representation from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas and the Carribean.
As the CTN comprises countries representing all stages of the evolution of data protection and privacy regimes: from those that are yet to enact privacy legislation, to countries with newly established data protection regimes, to countries with mature frameworks and established supervisory authorities.
The work of the CTN revolves on promoting good privacy practices to assist socio-economic development and sharing of good practices and helping build trust and confidence in handling personal data of citizens. It focuses on promoting cross-border cooperation and building capacity to respond to emerging trends and regulatory changes or developments.
The CTN includes accredited GPA members.
Website: The CTN maintains a public website at https://www.commonthreadnetwork.org/.
Ibero-American Network of Data Protection (RIPD)
Description: The Ibero-American Data Protection Network (RIPD) was established in 2003 as a forum for the promotion of the importance of personal data as a fundamental right and the role of the Ibero-American regulatory initiatives in protecting the privacy of its citizens.
The RIPD started as an inclusive forum comprising of participants from both the public and private sectors who develop initiatives related to personal data protection in Ibero-America in order to exchange information and experiences and promote regulatory developments. Over the years, the RPID has established itself as the main promoter of dialogue, initatives and policies within the region. It strengthens the instituitons responsible for the enforcement of the fundamental right to protection of personal data, professionalization of its administrators and capacitating the authorities and its personnel in order to ensure that the mandates are properly carried out.
The work of the RIPD is currently focused on responding to challenges arising from the use of emerging technologies and the formulation of specific policies to strengthen the protection of personal data and privacy, and ensuring its ethical and responsible use.
The RIPD has both members and observers. The criteria for membership are very similar to the accreditation requirements for GPA membership.
RIPD members are generally also GPA members.
Website: The RIPD Secretariat maintains a website at https://www.redipd.org/en.