Privacy Without Borders: Ryan Costello Brings Global Expertise to HaystackID®

For Ryan Costello, joining HaystackID® earlier this year as Director of Program Management is less of a new beginning and more of a homecoming.

“I’ve worked with many of my now-colleagues throughout my career. Joining HaystackID feels natural—like stepping into a familiar rhythm,” Costello shared. “We have incredible resources and expertise within HaystackID, and the potential to solve complex issues with our collective knowledge is exhilarating.”

Having worked across diverse locales such as Washington, D.C., Rome, Brussels, and Dublin, Costello is bringing his global perspective to help HaystackID’s clients maneuver this changing terrain, from how to best use emerging new technologies to ensuring their data is secure.

A Transatlantic Perspective on Privacy

The challenges facing global organizations today are more complex than ever, particularly at the intersection of technology, privacy, and compliance. Costello’s transatlantic experience has uniquely prepared him to handle this intricate landscape. With extensive knowledge of the fragmented privacy laws in the U.S. and the unified General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, Costello offers a nuanced understanding of how global organizations must adapt to regulatory demands.

“Data privacy is no longer just a compliance checkbox—it’s a strategic imperative,” Costello said. “Organizations should view privacy as integral to their overall business strategy.”

This perspective is especially crucial as organizations face heightened expectations from regulators and consumers to handle data responsibly. By helping clients navigate these complexities, Costello ensures they remain competitive, compliant, and capable of effectively leveraging their data assets in a global marketplace.

Moreover, data privacy concerns have become high-stakes challenges with the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based technologies. Governments are grappling with how to regulate the use of personal data in AI-driven models, address cross-border data transfers, and keep data secure. Greg Wilson, Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer for the Worldwide Public Sector, spoke on the escalating cyber threats and AI’s role in perpetuating and mitigating them at the Tallinn Digital Summit 2024 in November. According to Newsline by HaystackID®, Wilson shared how generative AI has empowered adversaries to innovate at an unprecedented scale.

“What we are seeing is an increase of 146% in adversary-in-the-middle phishing capabilities this year,” Wilson said during the keynote, attributing the increase to more sophisticated exploitation of human vulnerabilities.

Not only do organizations have to stay ahead of crafty cybercriminals, but they are under increased scrutiny to ensure compliance with evolving regulations, including the EU’s draft AI Act, which proposes strict requirements for AI systems handling sensitive data. Failure to address these regulatory demands can result in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruption.

Costello’s ability to bridge these transatlantic perspectives provides a vital advantage to HaystackID’s clients. His expertise allows him to anticipate regulatory changes, assess risks, and craft data strategies that balance legal requirements with operational goals.

Bridging Adoption and Practical Application

As part of HaystackID’s Global Advisory team, Costello is already helping clients handle pressing challenges, such as optimizing their technology investments, particularly Microsoft 365®. Many organizations have adopted Copilot for Microsoft 365 but struggle with implementing or fully utilizing the technology to enhance productivity and time savings. As Nate Latessa, HaystackID’s Executive Vice President of Advisory Services, noted, adoption and implementation are only one step in the process: “Our dedicated practice is not just about implementing software but about understanding and aligning with the unique business processes of each organization.”

Costello’s hands-on experience as a subject matter expert in data privacy considerations in eDiscovery and as an advocate for Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) response empowers him to guide clients effectively. He ensures clients understand what they are trying to achieve with technologies like Copilot while addressing questions about prompt history, data governance, and risks.

“With the technology being new, many of these questions don’t yet have clearly defined answers, which excites me. I get to work with my clients and tech-savvy peers to figure it out and drive real value,” Costello said.

Turning Data from Liability to Asset

As a compliance expert with extensive experience in U.S. and European regulatory environments, Costello brings a unique perspective to Legal Data Intelligence (LDI), recently becoming an LDI Architect for the Data Protection Compliance working group. LDI is a transformative framework that equips legal professionals with the tools, vocabulary, and best practices to manage complex legal data effectively, enabling them to deliver actionable insights, tackle data-intensive projects, and elevate their impact within the legal industry. LDI aligns perfectly with Costello’s expertise in privacy compliance and data governance, focusing on identifying data that is sensitive, useful, and necessary (SUN) while addressing redundant, obsolete, and trivial (ROT) data.

“Legal Data Intelligence isn’t just about reducing clutter; it’s about rethinking the way organizations use data to drive better outcomes,” Costello explained.

Drawing on his background in managing data privacy challenges across global markets, he will apply LDI principles to help organizations strategically manage their data, ensuring compliance while unlocking value. Through his work at HaystackID and LDI, Costello will continue building on his deep commitment to staying ahead of emerging compliance and privacy challenges. With leaders like Costello bringing a global perspective and forward-thinking expertise to legal tech, our industry can redefine how data is managed, protected, and leveraged for innovation and success.