Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 January 2026

1. Introduction

The Global Digital Economy Forum ("GDEF", "the Forum", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all individuals who interact with our organisation. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data in connection with our website, events, publications, and other activities.

As an organisation dedicated to responsible digital governance, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of data protection and privacy. Our practices are designed to comply with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for processing your personal data is:

Global Digital Economy Forum
Chemin des Mines 2
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Email: privacy@gdeforum.org

3. Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Identity and contact information: Name, email address, telephone number, postal address, job title, and organisational affiliation.
  • Event participation data: Registration details, dietary requirements, accessibility needs, and event attendance records.
  • Professional information: Curriculum vitae, areas of expertise, publications, and professional biography (for contributors and speakers).
  • Website usage data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and interaction patterns, collected through cookies and similar technologies.
  • Communication data: Records of correspondence with the Forum, newsletter subscription preferences, and feedback provided.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • Administering event registrations and participation
  • Distributing publications, newsletters, and institutional communications
  • Managing partnership and stakeholder relationships
  • Processing employment and fellowship applications
  • Improving our website, services, and user experience
  • Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
  • Conducting anonymised research and analysis on website usage

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data on the basis of: (a) your consent; (b) the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures; (c) compliance with a legal obligation; or (d) our legitimate interests, where these are not overridden by your rights and freedoms.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell personal data to third parties. We may share personal data with:

  • Service providers who assist with event management, IT infrastructure, and communications (subject to appropriate data processing agreements)
  • Co-organisers of jointly hosted events or programmes
  • Regulatory or legal authorities where required by law

7. International Data Transfers

Given the Forum's global operations, personal data may be transferred to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. Where such transfers occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission or reliance on adequacy decisions.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Event-related data is typically retained for three years following the event. Newsletter subscriptions remain active until you unsubscribe.

9. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Object to or restrict certain processing activities
  • Request data portability
  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact privacy@gdeforum.org.

10. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyse usage patterns. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. For detailed information, please refer to our Cookie Notice.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on this page, with the "Last updated" date revised accordingly.

12. Contact

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data processing practices, please contact:

Data Protection Officer
Global Digital Economy Forum
Email: privacy@gdeforum.org