Discussion Panel: Privacy and Cybersecurity – Challenges and Opportunities for Startups

Invited by STIKK (Kosovo Association of ICT), the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ms. Krenare Sogojeva Dërmaku, participated in the discussion panel “Privacy and Cybersecurity: Challenges and Opportunities for Startups,” alongside Arian Sheremeti, founder of GRC Bitsecura, and Lirim Bllaca, Operations Director at the Institute for Technology and Society, moderated by Atëdhe Lila.

In her opening speech, STIKK’s Director, Ms. Vjollca Çavolli, emphasized the importance of privacy for businesses, society, and the country’s economic development, highlighting the need for coordinated cooperation to ensure a secure digital environment.

Commissioner Sogojeva Dërmaku stressed that startups must ensure compliance with the Law on Personal Data Protection in the early stages of developing their products and digital services, integrating the principles of Privacy by Design and Privacy by Default.

Arian Sheremeti pointed out that privacy is inevitable and that startups should view it as a competitive advantage, not just a legal obligation. Meanwhile, Lirim Bllaca spoke about the importance of ISO standards in ensuring data security as a key factor in increasing customer trust.

The Commissioner concluded the discussions by reiterating that the Agency is ready to support any initiative aimed at strengthening data security in this field.