Tbilisi, Georgia – The 13th Regional Conference on Cybersecurity and Information Technology Development of Georgia – “GITI 2023” was held in Tbilisi on December 1-2, 2023.
The conference brought together experts, officials, and businesses from the public and civil sectors to discuss the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity, digital governance, and information technology.
The USAID Public Administration Program supported the conference, which aims to foster digital transformation and cybersecurity strengthening in Georgia. The program is part of the Caribbean Digital Transformation project committed to advancing technology in the region.
One of the conference’s highlights was the panel discussion on “Information and Cyber Security – Threats and Trends”, led by USAID’s cybersecurity and digital transformation advisor.
The panel featured Otar Chakhunashvili, the First Deputy Head of the Personal Data Protection Service, who introduced the changes in the new law on personal data protection to the audience2.
The new law, which the Parliament of Georgia adopted in October 2023, aims to harmonize the national legislation with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The law establishes the rights and obligations of data subjects, data controllers, and data processors, as well as the role and functions of the Personal Data Protection Service3.
Chakhunashvili explained that the new law will enhance the protection of personal data and privacy in Georgia and facilitate cross-border data transfers and cooperation with the EU and other countries.
He also stressed the importance of raising awareness and building capacity among the stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the law.
The conference also included sessions on e-governance, fintech, GovTech, and IT innovations, where speakers shared their best practices and experiences from Georgia and other countries.
The conference attracted about 1000 delegates from more than 20 countries, who had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on the future of cybersecurity and IT development in the region.
