Safeguarding Fundamental Rights in the Digital Transformation of Criminal Justice
12–13 October 2026 | Ateneo Veneto, Venice, Italy
The DIGITAL RIGHTS Final Conference brought together legal practitioners, judicial authorities, academics, institutional representatives and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from the digital transformation of criminal justice, with particular attention to the protection of fundamental rights and procedural safeguards.
Day 1 – Digital Justice, Artificial Intelligence and Procedural Safeguards
The first day explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence, digital investigations and emerging technologies on criminal proceedings. Discussions focused on algorithmic transparency, judicial oversight, surveillance, access to and contestability of digital evidence, and the effective exercise of defence rights. Practical contributions also illustrated how technology can support evidence preservation and access to justice when developed in accordance with fundamental-rights safeguards.
Day 2 – European e-Evidence Framework and Cross-Border Judicial Cooperation
The second day focused on the new European e-Evidence framework, particularly Regulation (EU) 2023/1543 and its implications for cross-border access to electronic evidence. Speakers examined European Production and Preservation Orders, jurisdictional responsibilities, notification procedures, effective remedies and the protection of lawyer–client confidentiality. The discussions also addressed the challenges of ensuring consistent procedural guarantees across Member States.
Across both days, the conference highlighted the importance of combining technological innovation and investigative efficiency with transparency, accountability, meaningful judicial control and effective defence rights.
The event also provided an opportunity to discuss the main findings and Soft Guidelines developed within DIGITAL RIGHTS, identifying priorities for future European cooperation, professional training and policy development.
Watch the recordings of both conference days below.
