Nick Stringer, Director of Regulatory Affairs, IAB UK speaks out on data policy and the regulatory environment

Nick Stringer, Director of Regulatory Affairs at IAB UK will speak on July 7, 2011 at OPS: Markets on the topic of "DATA: The policy and regulatory environment". In advance of the event AdMonsters asked Nick to speak out on his topic area, read Nick's argument here.

AdMonsters -

The IAB UK has been working towards the a self-regulation approach similar to the efforts in the US. Will enacting these self-regulation principles be enough for web site operators to be considered in compliance with the UK law or will they also have to provide another mechanism for explicit consent?

Nick Stringer -

Industry has been developing a pan-EU self-regulatory system for behavioural advertising, including retargeting, to enhance transparency and control for internet users. Work has gone on to develop, publish and implement the system for nearly two years and well before the revised ePrivacy Directive was drafted in Brussels. This work will continue as we roll out the ‘forward i’ icon in all EU markets which many businesses are now doing. The UK Government has stated explicitly stated that it supports the initiative. The revised ePrivacy Directive is much broader than just cookie use for behavioural advertising and so web publishers will have other uses to address in addition to advertising. The European Commission favours self-regulation to achieve compliance.

Find out about OPS: Markets London, July 7, 2011 at the London Film Museum

About Nick's Session - Data: The Policy and Regulatory Environment 

Data driven advertising models are under regulatory pressure. The political spotlight is on the sector and we need to show we can police ourselves in an innovative and user-friendly way. A cross-EU self-regulatory programme is being implemented and technological innovation will be the key to addressing privacy concerns.

About Nick Stringer

Director of Regulatory Affairs, Internet Advertising Bureau UK

Nick joined the IAB – the UK industry body for digital advertising - as its first head of regulatory affairs in April 2008.  He leads the sector, both in the UK and at EU level, in working for the optimal policy environment for digital advertising, in particular on privacy issues, and helping to boost the understanding of digital media and its benefits within regulatory and political circles.  Nick led the work to publish the IAB’s Good Practice Principles for behavioural advertising in March 2009, providing new rules based around notice, choice and education to help guide the industry and enhance consumer trust.  He is also vice-chair of IAB Europe’s Policy Committee, spearheading self-regulatory initiatives at EU level, including the recently launched pan-EU Framework for behavioural advertising. Prior to this, Nick worked at Orange, leading public policy issues across both mobile and broadband sectors.

Follow Nick on Twitter: @nickstringer and @IABUK