As Europe gears up for a summer filled with major sporting events, including Euro 2024 and the Paris 2024 Olympics, the technological innovations designed to enhance fan engagement also pose significant risks to data privacy for sporting federations.
READ: New York Businesses Ordered to Require Masks Indoors or Vaccine Proof
Europe
The Hosts and Federations Summit 2024 in Lausanne, Switzerland, organized by Major Events International (MEI), provides a crucial platform for discussing these issues. Tim Williamson, a senior sports regulatory lawyer and Legal Director at Foot Anstey LLP, described the summit as a “spectacular opportunity for organizers of significant and global sporting events to come together and discuss where commercial opportunities can be maximized while mitigating risk.”
Balancing Fan Engagement and Data Privacy
At the summit, Annalisa Checchi, also a Legal Director at Foot Anstey, highlighted the delicate balance organizers of global sports events must maintain regarding fan engagement data. Checchi provided insights into how major sports leagues are leveraging engagement data:
“One prime example is Formula 1’s partnership with Amazon Web Services, which transforms the fan experience by aggregating real-time race data, telemetry, and social media chatter. This allows F1 to deliver customized race visualizations, statistical insights, and interactive experiences, bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before.”
Checchi also mentioned the NBA’s NBA ID loyalty program, which incentivizes fans to share their data in exchange for exclusive content, merchandise discounts, and unique experiences. “This rich trove of information empowers the league to refine its marketing strategies, optimize sponsorship activations, and strengthen its global fanbase connection. However, the key lies in balancing data collection with fan privacy,” she added.
Data Management Challenges
Data management challenges are more complex than ever for sporting federations. System failures and inadequate training are common vulnerabilities that compromise data privacy and security. Checchi noted, “The infrastructure required to process the large volumes of data generated in real-time is now vast. The Euros and Olympics present an unprecedented opportunity for cyber criminals, not to mention the potential misuse or accidental breach of athlete, employee, and spectator data.”
She emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “Rights holders must be transparent about their data practices, obtain explicit consent, and ensure the secure storage and responsible use of sensitive information. Failure to do so can result in severe reputational and brand damage, as well as significant legal consequences.”
A Crossroads for the Sports World
As Euro 2024 and the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the sports world finds itself at a critical juncture. Emerging federations will closely observe the successes and failures of established veterans in managing data privacy and fan engagement.
The stakes are high, with the potential for both tremendous growth in fan connection and serious risks to data privacy. The Hosts and Federations Summit 2024 serves as a vital forum for addressing these challenges and ensuring that the future of sports remains both innovative and secure.
-
-
-
-
