Ensuring Ethical AI: Italian DPA Calls for Independent Oversight

In a recent press release, the Italian Data Protection Authority (GPDP) underscored the critical need for independent and impartial supervisory authorities in implementing the European Artificial Intelligence Act. Pasquale Stanzione, the President of GPDP, emphasized the authority's competence and independence in aligning with the EU AI Act's objective of safeguarding fundamental rights.

The European Parliament's recent approval of the AI Act necessitates member states to make pivotal decisions in adapting their national legal frameworks. Stanzione highlighted the significance of entrusting AI regulation to authorities with rigorous independence criteria, such as Privacy Authorities. This choice is justified by the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and data protection, coupled with the expertise already amassed in managing automated decision-making processes.

Notably, the AI Act, grounded in Article 16 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, aligns with data protection legislation. It mandates Data Protection Authorities to oversee algorithmic processes utilizing personal data. Stanzione stressed the imperative synergy between these disciplines, advocating for their application by a single authority to uphold sanctioned rights and guarantees effectively.

The GPDP's call to action urges Parliament and Government to reflect on the pivotal role of independent oversight in ensuring ethical AI deployment. As technology continues to evolve, proactive measures like these are essential in fostering trust and accountability in the digital age.