LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 ever
System 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 (mailto: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 Retail and Consumer.
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