Heather Burns

Heather Burns is a digital law specialist in Glasgow, Scotland. She researches, writes, and speaks extensively on laws, regulations, and political issues which impact the craft of web development. She has been designing web sites since 1997 and was a professional web designer from 2007-2015. She holds a postgraduate certification in internet law and policy from the University of Strathclyde.

Privacy by Design

In our volatile and uncertain political times, developers can play a crucial role in protecting the safety and privacy of those who use the things we build. Whether you enjoy the support of an employer or work on your own as a freelancer, an informed regard for data protection must become a part of your development workflow.

This talk will provide a practical toolkit which draws on current and upcoming data protection regulation (including GDPR), development frameworks, and recognised best practices in protecting personal data to inspire attendees to integrate a healthy approach to privacy into everything they do.

Those who attend the talk will learn how to:

  • Think proactively about developing for privacy and user protection;
  • Adopt protective workflows and business practices;
  • Understand that privacy and user protection are everyone's responsibility;
  • Feel empowered to challenge things which may put people at risk.