The session focused on the joint ELI-American Law Institute project on Principles for the Governance of Biometrics, which seeks to develop principles for the responsible governance and regulation of biometric technologies. Chaired by Cécile Sainte-Cluque of the Conseil supérieur du notariat, the panel brought together Gianclaudio Malgieri, Wojciech Wiewiórowski, Thierry Hoscheit and Frøy Løvåsdal.

Malgieri presented key features and innovations of the draft Principles. European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiórowski provided an EU regulatory and supervisory perspective, addressing data protection, fundamental rights and the governance challenges associated with biometric technologies. Thierry Hoscheit, President of Luxembourg’s Superior Court of Justice and Constitutional Court, considered the role of courts, while European Association for Biometrics Chair Frøy Løvåsdal approached the subject from the perspective of research and the responsible, safe and effective use of biometric technologies.

The session examined questions including consent, accountability, public and private use of biometrics, and the challenge of enabling technological innovation while protecting fundamental rights.

It also marked the European Data Protection Supervisor joining ELI as an Institutional Member, further strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.