Elze 't Hart was recently appointed partner-attorney at Dentons. In this position, she will focus on data privacy issues and guiding technology companies through the legal landscape. PONT | Data & Privacy sat down with her to discuss this step in her career.
I chose this move because Tech & Data are pre-eminently international areas of law, which are increasingly subject to cross-border regulation. International cooperation is therefore essential: not only for multinational companies, but also for national clients facing these developments. At Dentons, we work in a dynamic and entrepreneurial team of driven specialists, combining our expertise globally. This friendly and ambitious setting allows us to quickly and effectively support clients on complex issues surrounding data and technology. The opportunity to work in such an energetic environment, where innovation and collaboration are key, made this move natural for me.
I have both international and national experience, which gives me a good understanding of how companies operate and what they need. At an international law firm, I learned how to move quickly and work on complex, cross-border projects. Then, at my previous firm, I learned the full breadth and depth of the Dutch practice. That combination helps me to advise companies practically and strategically, with a risk-based approach that takes into account both legal and commercial considerations.
The biggest challenges lie in balancing innovation and regulation. The AI Act, Data Act and other new legislation are forcing companies to increase transparency and governance, while technologies such as AI and cloud are evolving at lightning speed. In addition, cross-border data flows create complex geopolitical and compliance issues, and cybersecurity remains a growing threat. Companies can't see the forest for the trees in this wave of legislation. In turn, my challenge is to squash that complexity and make technology responsibly deployable.
There are four developments that I think are very important. First, the regulation of Tech & Data under the European Digital Strategy. This will have a major impact on business models of companies, but also on the use and deployment of technology and data. Second, we see the emergence of data-driven ecosystems, such as cloud and platform solutions. This brings new challenges, especially in terms of data sovereignty and cross-border collaborations. In addition, cybersecurity is essential. The threat of ransomware and the need for digital resilience continue to grow. Finally, there is an increasing focus on sustainability in technology, such as reducing the energy consumption of data centers and AI systems.
It is exciting to see how these trends not only drive innovation, but also create new challenges and opportunities around ethics, (economic) growth, privacy and sustainability.
I want to contribute to a future where technology not only drives innovation, but also respects fundamental values such as privacy, inclusiveness and sustainability. I want to help companies see the forest again through the trees of laws and regulations, by making complex rules understandable and practical. I think it is important to contribute to the responsible use of technology, matching the values of the new generation that wants to do things differently and better.
I have a creative brain and love writing, poetry and puzzles. I get energy from solving complex issues, entrepreneurship, innovation and connecting people. In addition, I have high energy and broad interests, which makes me like to tackle several things at once. A profession in which I can express these qualities suits me. For that reason, I see myself starting a firm myself one day. For now, the legal profession feels like a natural match-a dynamic profession in which analytical thinking, strategy and creativity come together. For the time being, I have a long way to go.
What I read and listen to often focuses on personal development rather than professional work. But if I do have to recommend something:
Life and the Law in the Era of Data-Driven Agency by Mireille Hildebrandt - a seminal work that I greatly appreciate.
BNR's Technologist - always interesting and relevant.
I haven't had television for years, nor do I have streaming services, so unfortunately I can't recommend any movies, series or documentaries.
