Invitation to 2026 Asia Privacy Bridge Forum

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving beyond systems that merely generate content or respond to prompts. Emerging autonomous AI agents can increasingly make decisions, use external tools, coordinate with other systems, and act across digital environments with limited human intervention. These developments create significant opportunities for innovation, while also raising new questions about resilience, accountability, privacy, human oversight, and the responsible use of data. This year’s APB Forum seeks to address these challenges by bringing together diverse experts from across Asia and beyond.

The 15th Asia Privacy Bridge Forum, held in conjunction with Privacy Global Edge, convenes under the theme “Autonomous Agents in Motion: Securing Resilience and Accountability in AI & Privacy.” The theme reflects a shared need to ensure that, as AI systems become more autonomous and interconnected, technological progress continues in ways that are reliable, accountable, and consistent with fundamental rights and responsible data practices.

Over the years, the APB Forum has developed into a platform for sustained international dialogue on AI governance, data privacy, and digital responsibility. It has brought together participants from more than 19 countries and engaged regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, civil society, practitioners, and international organizations including the OECD and APEC. By bringing these different perspectives into conversation, the Forum has sought to bridge technological development with legal, policy, institutional, and societal considerations.

Building on this foundation, APB 2026 will explore how governance can evolve alongside increasingly autonomous AI systems. The Forum will consider how innovation can be encouraged while responsibility remains identifiable, systems remain resilient, privacy and personal data are protected, and meaningful human oversight is maintained. It will also examine how cooperation across sectors and jurisdictions can help address challenges that extend beyond the capacity of any single institution, industry, or country.

At a time when AI is developing faster than many existing governance frameworks, open dialogue, mutual learning, and practical cooperation are more important than ever. I hope that APB 2026 will provide an inclusive forum in which different experiences and perspectives can contribute to approaches that strengthen both innovation and trust, and help shape a more responsible and resilient digital future. On behalf of the organizing committee, I extend my sincere appreciation to all participants for joining the 15th Asia Privacy Bridge Forum.

Beomsoo KIM

Executive Director, Barun ICT Research Center

Yonsei University