Connectivity helps patients track their health, commuters optimize their trips, households manage their consumption and citizens engage in the democratic process. Data allows governments and businesses to refine their policies and services. Boosting connectivity for EU citizens is therefore a key priority for the Juncker Commission, with the 2020 Digital Agenda and Digital Single Market Strategy set to boost innovation, economic growth and jobs in the EU.

More connectivity, however, comes with concerns over surveillance and privacy risks. Governments must strike a balance between protecting their citizens’ privacy on the one hand, and preventing terrorist attacks on the other. Can governments increase surveillance powers without risking turning into Big Brother?

Unstable data protection regulation is threatening businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. After the original safe harbor pact was struck down by the European Court of Justice for its insufficient privacy protection last October 2015, will the new deal called “EU-U.S. Privacy Shield” meet the EU Data privacy criteria? How will this impact businesses working in Europe?

POLITICO’s Connected Citizens Summit in Amsterdam on June 21 2016 will examine the challenges and opportunities governments and the private sector face as they adapt their policies and services to better connect with citizens.