Euro 2024 and Paris Olympics Pose Unprecedented Data Privacy Risks Warns Law Firm Foot Anstey
June 20 2024 - 4:00AM
Euro 2024 and Paris Olympics Pose Unprecedented Data Privacy Risks
Warns Law Firm Foot Anstey
As Europe prepares for a summer of sporting excellence with Euro
2024 and the Paris 2024 Olympics, the technological advancements
designed to bring fans closer to the action also represent an
unprecedented risk to data privacy for sporting federations.
The Hosts and Federations Summit 2024 in Lausanne, Switzerland –
organised by Major Events International (MEI) is described by
senior sports regulatory lawyer, Tim Williamson (Legal Director,
Foot Anstey LLP) as a, "Spectacular opportunity for organisers of
significant and global sporting events, to come together and
discuss where commercial opportunities can be maximised, while
mitigating risk."
At the summit, Annalisa Checchi, (Legal Director, Foot Anstey)
discussed the delicate tightrope that organisers of global sports
events must navigate in relation to fan engagement data. Checchi
stated:
"One prime example of leveraging engagement data in the modern
context is Formula 1, which has partnered with Amazon Web Services
to transform the fan experience. By aggregating real-time race
data, telemetry, and social media chatter, F1 delivers customised
race visualisations, statistical insights, and interactive
experiences, bringing viewers closer to the action than ever
before."
She continued, "Similarly, the NBA’s NBA ID loyalty programme
incentivises fans to share their data in exchange for exclusive
content, merchandise discounts, and unique experiences. This rich
trove of information empowers the league to refine its marketing
strategies, optimise sponsorship activations, and strengthen its
global fanbase connection. However, the key lies in balancing data
collection with fan privacy."
Data management challenges are more complex than
everSystem failures and inadequate training are the most
common vulnerabilities for consumer-facing sporting federations in
ensuring data privacy and security. However, Ms Checchi noted:
"The infrastructure required to process the large volumes of
data generated in real-time is now vast. The Euros and Olympics
present an unprecedented opportunity for cyber criminals, not to
mention the potential misuse or accidental breach of athlete,
employee, and spectator data."
She emphasised the need for transparency, stating, "Rights
holders must be transparent about their data practices, obtain
explicit consent, and ensure the secure storage and responsible use
of sensitive information. Failure to do so can result in severe
reputational and brand damage, as well as significant legal
consequences."
As Euro 2024 and the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, the sports
world stands at a crossroads. Emerging federations will be watching
to learn from the successes and failures of established
veterans.
Editors contacts
Sam Taylor – sam.taylor@footanstey.com
+447971581025
About Foot Anstey
Foot Anstey is a leading full-service law firm with a strong
presence nationally and internationally. With roots dating back
decades, the firm has evolved into a dynamic legal force, providing
comprehensive and innovative solutions to a diverse client
base.
Renowned for its exceptional client service and industry
expertise, Foot Anstey offers a wide range of legal services across
its seven key sectors, Charities, Developer, Energy and
Infrastructure, Islamic Finance, Private Equity, Private Wealth and
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