Commonwealth data protection authorities set renewed direction for the Common Thread Network

Co-chairs from the Isle of Man and Mauritius publish a Joint Statement ahead of the Network's formal relaunch at the Global Privacy Assembly 2026

The Isle of Man Information Commissioner's Office and the Mauritius Data Protection Office have today published a Joint Statement setting out a renewed purpose and direction for the Common Thread Network (CTN), the network of data protection and privacy authorities across the Commonwealth.

The Statement, signed by the two co-chairs, marks the start of a new chapter for the Network. It will be followed by CTN's formal relaunch at an event during the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) 2026 in Brussels on Thursday 19 November, co-hosted with the Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL).

CTN brings together authorities at every stage of regulatory development, from long-established regulators to those building new data protection regimes. The Joint Statement sets out how the Network intends to support its members through the challenges of rapid technological change, growing cross-border data flows, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new technologies.

The Statement sets out five priorities for 2026/27:

• Strategic clarity and visibility: a refreshed CTN website and communications that reflect the Network's renewed direction.
• Knowledge sharing and practical engagement: webinars, peer discussions and practical guidance drawing on members' regulatory experience.
• International engagement: raising CTN's profile in international data protection fora and bringing the perspective of Commonwealth jurisdictions to global privacy debates.
• Sustainable resourcing: exploring options to resource CTN's activities, including possible sponsorship of specific initiatives, with safeguards to protect the Network's independence.
• Governance and membership: reviewing the governance and membership model to grow the Network sustainably and encourage participation.

The GPA side event will bring together CTN members, partners, and industry representatives. Following opening remarks from both co-chairs, a panel with representatives from across the Commonwealth, and an open discussion on a draft resolution on data protection and Commonwealth values, as well as a panel discussion on the role of data protection authorities in promoting responsible innovation. The co-chairs aim to sign the resolution on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2026, with delivery of the CTN Workplan 2026/27 beginning in January 2027.

The Isle of Man Information Commissioner's Office acts as Secretariat to the Network.

Dr Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya, Information Commissioner for the Isle of Man, said:

“The Commonwealth is a unique community, bringing together nations and jurisdictions with different histories, cultures, traditions, and perspectives. That diversity is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest strengths, but it is underpinned by shared values: respect for one another, human dignity, fairness, and a commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals.

“Data protection and privacy are fundamental human rights and in an increasingly connected world, where data flows across borders and technology continues to reshape our societies, protecting those rights is a responsibility we share. Data protection authorities have an important role to play, not only within our own jurisdictions, but by learning from one another, sharing experience, and working together to uphold the principles and values that unite us.

“The CTN provides a valuable opportunity to bring our diverse voices together, strengthen our collective understanding, and support one another in meeting the challenges ahead. This relaunch is about more than renewing a network; it is about renewing our commitment to the shared values of privacy, dignity and individual rights, and ensuring that those values remain at the heart of how data is protected and innovation is enabled across the Commonwealth.”

Mrs Drudeisha Madhub, Data Protection Commissioner, Mauritius, said:

We are at a defining moment in the evolution of data protection. Artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the rapid expansion of the digital economy are transforming the way information is used, shared and governed. These developments present opportunities for innovation and economic growth but they also call for a fundamental shift in how data protection authorities exercise their responsibilities in an increasingly interconnected world.

The relaunch of the Common Thread Network represents an important opportunity to strengthen the collective voice and influence of Commonwealth data protection authorities in shaping the future of global data governance. Through stronger partnerships, shared expertise and coordinated international engagement, the CTN can play a leading role in promoting innovative, effective and future-ready approaches to data protection.

The true measure of our success will not lie in the strength of our commitments alone but in our collective ability to translate them into meaningful action, anticipate emerging challenges, influence the direction of technological development and deliver tangible results to people. Our responsibility is not simply to respond to the digital future but to help shape it.”