Joseph Cannataci

Joseph Cannataci is a Full Professor and Chair in European Information Policy & Technology Law at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Law. He also serves as Head of the Department of Information Policy & Governance at the University of Malta and holds adjunct roles at Edith Cowan University. His research focuses on data protection, privacy, cybercrime, and internet governance. He co-founded the STeP Research Group at Groningen, focusing on security, technology, and e-privacy. Cannataci has held pivotal roles in international organizations, including as UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy (2015-2021) and as lead expert for the Council of Europe's Convention 108+. He has authored over 20 books and numerous articles, and his work has been recognized with honors like France's Officier de l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (2002) and the 2024 Amnesty International Chair from Ghent University.

Education:

• LLD (Doctor of Laws), University of Malta (1986)
• Law studies at University of Malta and University of Oslo
• Chartered Information Technology Professional (UK)

Research Interests:

• Data Protection Law and Policy
• Cybercrime and Privacy in Digital Ecosystems
• Privacy Rights in Emerging Technologies
• Indigenous Peoples' Digital Rights
• EU and International Data Governance

His work integrates legal, technological, and socio-political dimensions, emphasizing ethical frameworks for emerging technologies. Key projects include leading EU-funded initiatives like SMART, RESPECT, and MAPPING, which address surveillance, privacy, and internet governance.

Awards and Recognition:

• Amnesty International Chair (2024)
• UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy (2015-2021)
• Officier de l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (France, 2002)
• Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS)

Grants and Collaborations:

• Total research grants exceeding €30 million from EU, Council of Europe, UNESCO, and others.
• Coordinated projects such as SEC-funded CONSENT, SMART, RESPECT, and MAPPING.
• Member of editorial boards for six peer-reviewed journals.

Labs and Teams: Leads the STeP Research Group and collaborates with global institutions on projects like PEATITA and BANYA-PEST, focusing on privacy in indigenous communities and emerging economies.