The Big Data Analytics conference was eagerly awaited, with the ETSINF UPV conference room packed to the gunnels. Organized by the Big Data Analytics Master of Universidad Politécnica de Valencia it involved the participation of BBVA, GMV and Bankia. GMV spoke about Blockchain while Bankia explained the importance of Big Data in the bank’s transformation.

The session debated the relation between Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, in particular Machine Learning. A description was also given of the role of Blockchain as a solution to guarantee the truthfulness of data as well as its generally known role as vector for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

In his speech Carlos Sahuquillo, technical leader of onboard systems cybersecurity of GMV’s Secure e-Solutions sector, explained the importance of Blockchain and how a digital identity network could be made with this technology to access all services our data needs without needing to sign up for any of them. This would entail a sort of shared digital data repository using Blockchain as base technology. There are at the moment, however, some implementation problems since, by its very nature, Blockchain runs counter to the GDPR’s right to be forgotten. The chat sparked of a fascinating debate with a lively flow of suggestions and doubts being expressed from the floor for over an hour, extending the chat will beyond its scheduled time.