Tech Policy Expertise: Digital identity & trust

  • Victoria Baines

    Victoria (they/them) works as Head of Cross-Government Strategy for the National Data Library, a manifesto commitment housed in the Government Digital Service. Prior to this role, they developed the world-leading Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, leading on areas including biometrics, fraud and inclusion.

    They have also worked as a researcher at the think tank Demos, where they researched a breadth of topics online safety, platform regulation and data protection. Intellectual rigour, relationship-building and a strong sense of social purpose form the bedrock of their work.

    When they aren’t working in the world of tech policy, Victoria facilitates meditation and teaches yoga, primarily in LGBTQ+ spaces.

  • Nuala Polo

    Nuala Polo is the UK Public Policy Lead at the Ada Lovelace Institute. Nuala is responsible for developing and delivering Ada’s policy and engagement strategy on the governance and regulation of AI in the UK.

    Before joining Ada, Nuala worked as the AI Assurance Lead in the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and was the UK Delegate for the OECD Working Party on AI Governance. Before this, she worked as a Senior Research Impact Officer, disseminating research from Horizon 2020 / Horizon Europe projects, with a focus on the ethical development of emerging technologies, including AI. Nuala holds an MSc Cognition in Science & Society from the University of Edinburgh.

  • Lina Ghazal

    Lina is a policy and public affairs professional with over a decade of experience in media and tech, both in the public (Ofcom) and private (TF1, Meta) sectors. She’s currently leading regulatory and public affairs for safety tech provider Verifymy.

    Lina is an expert in building large-scale policy initiatives and partnerships and has led engagements about online regulation with diverse groups of stakeholders and regulators across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US.

    Lina studied Law, Economics and Management at Ecole Normale Superieure and Queen Mary University of London. She holds a Master of Finance & Corporate Strategy from Sciences Po Paris.

  • Julie Dawson

    Julie Dawson leads regulatory and government relations for Yoti digital age & identity platform, developing policy approaches for fraud prevention and safeguarding and liaising with national and sectoral trust frameworks, in conjunction with Yoti’s internal and external ethics boards. Julie is an authority in digital identity policy and governance, is CoChair of the Age Verification Providers Association and represents Yoti at fora including techUK Growth Council & Digital Identity working group, the Association of Digital Verification Professionals, WeProtect Global Alliance and the Online Safety Tech Industry Alliance . Yoti has a team of over 400 people, is headquartered in London and counts over 15 million instals of the Yoti app and over 800 million age checks.

  • Jenny Thornton

    Jenny Thornton is a seasoned professional in strategic partnerships and international development. With a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and a deep commitment to human rights, Jenny brings over 15 years of experience bridging technology, policy, and global collaboration.

  • Dana Poponete

    Dana is a Manager for Access Partnership’s Data Governance team. She covers AI, data, online safety, digital identity, and telecommunications policy issues across the UK and EU, as well as at Member State levels. Dana supports clients in assessing risks and opportunities to business interests and helps clients navigate complex policy landscapes.

    Prior to joining Access Partnership, Dana was a Political and Security Analyst at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

    Dana is passionate about sustainable development both professionally and personally. She holds a Double MA in Asian and European Affairs from King’s College London and Renmin University of China, as well as a BA in Political Economy from King’s College London.