Diving into the Legal World of AI, Data Protection, Blockchain, and Copyright: An Interview with Axel Beelen from Brussels

JAMMU: In a rapidly evolving legal landscape where technology intersects with privacy, intellectual property, and regulation, Axel Beelen emerges as a notable legal expert from the Brussels Region, Belgium. With a diverse background and a passion for AI, data protection, blockchain, and copyright, Axel has garnered recognition for his contributions in the realm of law. An author of numerous legal insights, he has consistently delved into the intricacies of data—from its birth and protection to its widespread use.

Axel's expertise shines particularly bright in the areas of AI, data protection (EU GDPR / UE RGPD), blockchain, and copyright. His insatiable curiosity has led him to continually deepen his understanding of these topics since their inception. According to Axel, data protection isn't merely a matter for corporations and organizations—it's a concern that transcends borders and affects everyone. He equates data to the modern world's oil, flowing through the veins of global enterprises and generating vast quantities every single day.

Notably, Axel's commitment to excellence is exemplified by his successful completion of the challenging Belgian Solvay DPO Certification (GDPR). This accomplishment underscores his dedication to aiding individuals and companies in the secure management of personal data.

Beyond data protection, Axel is a keen observer of blockchain solutions, AI advancements, and copyright matters. His pursuit of knowledge has taken him to prestigious institutions, such as the Institute for Information Law at the University of Amsterdam and the Strasbourg CEIPI, where he delved into the intersections of AI and intellectual property. Axel's insatiable thirst for knowledge was further quenched during the VUB Privacy Hub Week in June 2023, where he engaged with international luminaries sharing insights on the latest regulatory developments.

Axel's professional journey encompasses stints in administrations, SMEs, and international corporations. One standout experience includes his role as the Digital Legal Advisor at AXA Belgium Insurance, where he navigated the complexities of compliance within the Customer & Data department. Solely responsible for legal oversight, he ensured that the company's marketing efforts adhered to intricate regulations, including those related to privacy and Mifid.

Reflecting on the landscape of data protection, Axel notes the rapid evolution of GDPR both in Belgium and worldwide. He highlights the challenges of staying abreast of developments, particularly as new data protection laws emerge in countries like India. The interconnectedness of the EU adds a layer of complexity, as decisions in one member state can reverberate across borders due to the binding nature of GDPR as a Regulation.

Axel's insights also shed light on the unique political landscape of Belgium, a federal nation with distinct communities and regions. This complexity is exemplified by the presence of federal entities responsible for different competencies. The Belgian Constitutional Court oversees this intricate framework, ensuring that entities only enact laws within their jurisdiction. While data protection currently remains a federal responsibility, Axel ponders the future in a dynamic legal landscape.

As the heart of the EU, Brussels not only reflects Belgium's intricate political landscape but also stands as a hub for international institutions such as NATO and the European Union. Axel's domicile in this vibrant city underscores his commitment to engaging with the legal issues that shape our globalized world.

In an exclusive online interview conducted by Ajmer Alam Wani, Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), , Axel Beelen offers a captivating glimpse into the multifaceted world of AI, data protection, blockchain, and copyright. His expertise and passion underscore the profound impact of legal considerations in the digital age, promising readers a thought-provoking exploration of these complex intersections.

Read the full interview below:-

1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your background as a legal expert and author of legal contributions? What motivated you to focus on AI, data protection/privacy, Blockchain, and copyright as your legal passions?

Ans: AI, data protection/privacy (EU GDPR / UE RGPD), Blockchain and copyright are my (legal) passions. I continuously deepen my knowledge on legal topics around "data" since their birth and protection to their circulation and uses. Visit my new webpage: https://www.axelbeelen.be/ to know more about me and to have the opportunity to contact me.

Data protection is an issue of everybody, for every national and international organisation. Data is the oil of our modern global companies. We produced billion of data every day, every hour. That's why I passed with success the challenging Belgian Solvay DPO Certification (GDPR) to help you and your company to adequately and safely manage personal data issues.

I deeply follow not only data protection issues but also Blockchain solutions, AI and copyright (« droit d’auteur »). For example, I just followed the Privacy Law and Policy Summer Course 2022 given by the Institute for Information Law from the University of Amsterdam and I finished the exciting French Diploma from the Strasbourg CEIPI around AI & IP. In June 2023, I followed the VUB Privacy Hub Week during which excellent international speakers taught us what hey thought about the new DMA, DSA, DGA, etc. Very inspiring!

I worked in administrations, SME and international companies. For example, during several challenging years, I worked at the AXA Belgium Insurance company (in their Customer & Data department aka Marketing) as their unique Digital Legal Advisor. Being the sole lawyer in this important section of the company, I supervised the compliance of all the publications and marketing actions against complex regulation such as the privacy & Mifid ones.

Marketing being at the crossroad of many issues, I also advised on various topics such as combined offers, games, lotteries, loyalty programs, etc. (consumer protection problematics). Extending the knowledge of the department to other regulation than pure insurance law, I became a real expert in consumer protection law.

Since 2018, I worked like a legal consultant helping DPOs and their teams to correctly implement data protection laws and other regulation in compliance.

Curious by nature, I really like these challenges and opportunities!

I am the author of various publications and books around "data". Since a few weeks, you can find the latest one. It is about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and it is available on the website of Anthemis: https://www.anthemis.be/shop/search/role/196458.

2. As an expert in data protection (GDPR), how do you see the evolving landscape of data privacy in Belgium and Europe? What are the main challenges that businesses and individuals face in complying with GDPR regulations?

Ans: The GDPR landscape is rapidly evolving in Belgium, in Europe and everywhere in the world. Recently, India got its new data protection law. It is really challenging to follow the topic. Especially in the EU because what is decided in one EU country could have an influence in another one since the GDPR is a Regulation and not a Directive.

3. With the continuous advancements in AI and data-driven technologies, how do you address the delicate balance between innovation and data privacy? What legal frameworks do you think are necessary to ensure responsible AI development?

Ans: It is really challenging to do the balance between innovation and data protection. Innovations always bring new issues. Especially with AI as AI systems function with (personal) data. We must be sure GDPR general principles are follow in the use of AI tools. We are waiting for official EU guidelines in order to correctly implement AI systems that will respect the future EU AI Act.

4. As data usage becomes more pervasive, how do you envision the future of data protection and privacy laws? What changes or amendments should be considered to address emerging technologies and data challenges effectively?

Ans: General rules will continue to be applicable. I don’t think we need big changes in our new laws and regulation. We must especially put a great attention at the transparency principle. Everyone must be aware over what could be done with her/his data. GDPR puts a great attention to the rights of the data subjects. These rights have to be respected also in the context of the AI systems.

5. You are also passionate about Blockchain and copyright. How do you think Blockchain technology can revolutionize copyright management and content ownership in various industries?

Ans: Indeed, I also deeply follow blockchain and DLT issue. Blockchain technology can revolutionize a lot of practice and also copyright management. It could be easy to record new works on a blockchain database. The works will have in return an official and non erasable date. However, it doesn’t solve the authorship issue since anyone can record any work on a blockchain. The record should be initiated by people with an official entrance on the blockchain. It could be a new activity for notaries by example.

6. With the rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), artists and creators are exploring new ways to protect their digital works. What legal implications do you foresee with the increasing use of NFTs in the art and entertainment sectors?

Ans: A NFT is only a link to a work stored elsewhere. A NFT could be unique or multiple depending on the choice of the artist. But since, anyone can record as a new NFT any work, the authorship issue remains. Platforms that are selling NFTs should be cautious of selling only pertinent and correct NFTs (NFTs that have been recorded on the blockchain by the right author or artist or rightholder). The buyer must carefully read the terms and conditions linked to the NFT she/her wants to buy to see and to know what are the rights she/he will acquire in buying the NFT.

7. Belgium is known for its complex political system. Can you briefly explain the type of government in Belgium and how it impacts the legal landscape, especially concerning data protection and privacy regulations?

Ans: Belgium is indeed a very complex political system. We are a federal country with federal entities. They are two types of federal entities in Belgium. Competencies linked to the people, these entities are called “communities” (we have 3 communities) and economic competencies are managed by the 3 federal entities called “regions”. Mixed competencies are managed with the help of inter federal entities agreements. We have a Belgian constitutional court that oversees the different entities. She takes care of the fact that every entity only takes laws that the entity can take.

Data protection is always (but for how long?) a federal competence. Under these federal entities, we also have 9 provinces and a lot of municipalities (“communes” in French). And Brussels, geographically located in the Flemish part of the country but where almost only French is spoken, is the main city of the country. Brussels is the localization of a lot of international institutions: NATO and the EU for example.

8. What role does the Belgian government play in promoting technological innovation, such as AI and Blockchain, while ensuring legal compliance and protecting individual rights?

Ans: The Belgian and the government of the other federal entities play a key role in promoting technological innovation such as AI and blockchain in financing new structures and research and development.

However, since we are a complex federal country, the available help is very little and scattered between the numerous governmental helping funds. It is sometimes also difficult to reach and to obtain (we have very complex administrative bodies).

9. Belgium has a rich cultural heritage and historical monuments. As a legal expert, how do you view the preservation and protection of these cultural assets? Are there any particular legal challenges associated with their conservation?

Ans: Indeed, we have a rich cultural heritage and historical monuments. Several are UNESCO protected. It is really difficult to maintain their preservation. It costs a lot of money! EU modified the rules to preserve copyrighted works if the preservation is done by museums and cultural institutions. But still, to begin to preserve them in digitalizing them is financially difficult.

10. How do you think the Belgian legal framework supports the tourism industry while balancing the need for preserving historical sites and ensuring the safety and privacy of visitors?

Ans: I think the Belgian is correct at that level as we didn’t hear recent accidents at that level. But I am not an expert for that point.

11. In the context of gender equality, what legal measures have been implemented in Belgium to promote women's rights and opportunities in various sectors, including law and education?

Ans: Belgium has strong laws regarding these points. Our laws are the implementation of the different EU Directives regarding the promotion of gender equality and regarding the fight against any form of discrimination. And the constitutional court can be seized if someone or an entity has a doubt of a new published law.

12. As an AI and data protection expert, how do you perceive the role of technology and data analytics in tackling environmental challenges and promoting eco-friendly practices?

Ans: The different new technologies can play a key role in finding new ways to tackle our challenging modern environmental issues. We should be aware also to use them in an eco-friendly way because these new technologies use a lot of energy and electricity!

13. In a rapidly changing world, embracing new challenges is essential. How do you keep yourself updated with the latest legal developments in your areas of expertise? What advice would you give to aspiring legal professionals interested in AI, data protection, and copyright law?

Ans: That is the most difficult point nowadays. Everything is moving so fast everywhere in the world. Honestly, I pass two or three hours per day to read the news. I subscribed to a lot (too much maybe!) newsletters and newspapers. It takes ma hours to read them and to classify the received news. I also advise to create Google Alerts with the topics you are interested in. Don’t forget to follow on Linkedin interesting people and groups. A lot of free information are shared on Linkedin. Create also your own database (I have thousands of documents on my different devices) and share your information. If you share, you will receive in return.