Big-Tech and High-Achieving Women
Big Tech’s big fear is a group of high-achieving European women: It is time to meet the Avengers of female data regulators.
In the previous year, Meta Platforms Inc. faced a ban from Norway's privacy watchdog over their handling of user data. This seemingly bold move by a relatively small office proved advantageous when European Union regulators later extended the restrictions across the entire region. It not only demonstrated the regulatory prowess of the agency but also highlighted the capabilities of its new leader – a recent addition to the growing list of female data regulators in Europe, Line Coll.
Coll, a former tech lawyer, assumed her role in 2022, becoming part of an exclusive group of officials empowered to enforce changes on the world's largest companies through the stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Since its implementation in 2018, the GDPR has elevated the significance of data regulation and brought many women in the field into the limelight.
A noteworthy trend is that more than half of the 30 authorities responsible for enforcing the EU's data rules are led by women. With the recent implementation of sweeping EU tech regulations, the roles of these female watchdogs may expand further. Countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, along with France, Spain, Luxembourg, and until recently, Ireland, boast female data commissioners.
The influence of women extends beyond data regulation into other fields, with figures like the EU's antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager making headlines for imposing significant fines on tech giants like Apple. Vestager joins other powerful female regulators, including the UK's Sarah Cardell and the US Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan.
Andrea Jelinek, Austria's former top tech regulator, acknowledges the impact of women in shaping the current landscape of data protection law. She notes that women pioneers often juggled regulatory roles with other professions and speculates that men might have been less attracted to data protection due to its emphasis on human rights over financial considerations.
The shift towards female leadership in regulatory roles began around a decade ago, with early pioneers like Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin and former EU commissioner Viviane Reding. Notably, Helen Dixon, Ireland's former data protection commissioner, played a pivotal role when the GDPR came into effect. Her office became Europe's top watchdog, overseeing compliance for major U.S. tech firms. Dixon's tenure saw over 80 probes and more than €2.8 billion in fines, with Meta receiving a historic €1.2 billion penalty.
Regulatory challenges arise from variations in laws and procedures across EU countries. Dixon, emphasizing the importance of understanding data processing operations, held meetings with major firms based in Ireland to build strong cases. Despite stepping down in February, she remains confident that regulators, armed with years of GDPR experience, can navigate new content moderation and digital antitrust rules.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, criticisms about the pace of EU-wide probes led to changes, such as increasing national commissioners and legal tweaks to streamline cooperation. With a demand for enhanced resources and expertise, the field demonstrates flexibility, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including more men.
Coll, Norway's data watchdog, points out the adaptability and attractiveness of data protection law, offering greater flexibility compared to traditional, male-dominated legal domains. Concerns about women being pushed out of top roles due to an increasing male presence are met with skepticism by experts like Wim Nauwelaerts, who believes that experienced women in leadership roles are unlikely to be displaced.
Anu Talus, Finland's data ombudsman, reinforces this perspective, emphasizing the enduring presence of experienced women in the field. Despite changes, data protection remains a domain where women have made significant contributions and continue to thrive.
