Ibero-American Data Protection Network XXII Meeting

The 22nd meeting of the Ibero-American Data Protection Network’s (RIPD) authorities was held in Cartagena on May 27–29, 2025.

During the meeting, representatives defined the Network’s strategic priorities and approved the action plan that will guide its work over the next five years and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding personal data protection as a fundamental right.

Key discussions and decisions included:

•    A decision to raise the RIPD’s visibility and focus its agenda on key issues such as artificial intelligence and data spaces, biometric data processing, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
•    The appointment of the Brazilian National Data Protection Authority as the new President of the RIPD.
•    The appointment of the data protection authorities of Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay, to serve on the Executive Committee for the next two years.
•    The approval of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan laid on three pillars: promoting high standards of data protection, capacity-building, and strengthening regional and international cooperation. The Executive Committee will be responsible for drafting a corresponding operational roadmap.
•    The adoption of an Open Letter addressed to companies that handle large volumes of personal data.
•    The endorsement of a proposal to update the Ibero-American data protection standards, with final approval expected at the 2026 annual meeting. 
•    The decision to create a Data Protection Observatory within the framework of the RIPD, following the Argentine Data Protection Authority’s proposal.
•    The decision to create a new working group on biometric data.
•    The admission of three new observer organizations: the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Bank Group, and the Personal Data Protection Service of Georgia, thereby expanding multilateral cooperation and dialogue.

The next general meeting of the RIPD will be held in Cartagena in the last week of May 2026.