The major global challenges in managing data to protect sporting integrity

The author spoke at Sportel in October about data issues in relation to the regulation of sport, particularly in relation to data and betting integrity.

The topic raises a number of knotty issues:

• "Data" is a technical area of law, both in IP terms, and because of the fresh consideration given to protection issues arising out of the General Data Protection Regulation.

• In the gambling context, there is still a developing practice as to how the various stakeholders should best collaborate to preserve the integrity of sport (a matter of mutual interest), while preserving their own (often conflicting) commercial positions.

• On betting integrity, practice is largely built on self-regulation and formal/informal collaboration between stakeholders. It's built around MoU's, contracts, working groups, collaborations and contacts as much as black letter law.

• There are a series of emerging threats, the importance of which are yet to be fully understood: the integrity of data gathering, fake data (e.g. "ghost games"), use of "socket puppets" and other social media devices to spread misleading information.

This article considers key contemporary issues in managing data to protect sporting integrity, and looks specifically at:

Part 1:

• The need for better collaboration among stakeholders

• Self-regulatory models for information sharing

• The global dimension

• Obstacles to sharing information - data protection and the impact of GDPR

Part 2:

• The implications on data in sport in light of improvements in technology

• The legality of using an unofficial data source