Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at breakneck speed, but with innovation comes responsibility. Nowhere is this more critical than in the intersection of GDPR and AI.
As the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, or EU AI Act, develops, businesses face two main challenges. They must follow EU AI Act rules and strict data privacy laws. This is not just about legal requirements. It is also an opportunity to build trust in a time of advanced AI technology and global data sharing.
Why GDPR Matters in the Age of AI?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been the cornerstone of EU data privacy protection since 2018. It enforces strict rules for collecting, processing, and storing personal data. When AI enters the picture, these requirements become even more complex:
- AI models often require large datasets, which increases the risk of personal data exposure.
- Automated decision-making can trigger GDPR Article 22 obligations, giving individuals the right to human review.+
- AI bias and transparency challenges must align with GDPR’s fairness and accountability principles.
The key point? AI is subject to GDPR and is under close examination.
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act: New Rules for AI
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act is the first comprehensive legal framework for AI in Europe. It classifies AI systems by risk level and sets requirements for high-risk AI applications, including:
- Strong data governance measures
- Clear transparency and explainability standards
- Data quality controls that mirror GDPR’s minimisation principles
The result? Businesses must follow two rulebooks — GDPR and the EU AI Act.
How Sovy Simplifies Compliance
Sovy’s Data Privacy Essentials – Company Level gives your organization all the tools to follow GDPR and AI rules. It also assists with the EU AI Act, all within a single platform.
- Global compliance tools (GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and more)
- Privacy-by-Design assessments & templates
- Consent and cookie management with geo-targeting and multi-language support
- Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) portal
- Staff eLearning on GDPR, Cyber security and compliance best practices
The future belongs to organisations that use AI technology responsibly.
FAQs: GDPR and AI Compliance
1. What is GDPR's effect on AI?
GDPR applies to artificial intelligence AI systems that process personal data. This means AI applications must follow principles like lawfulness, fairness, transparency, and data minimisation. Automated decisions affecting individuals also require human oversight under Article 22.
2. What is the EU Artificial Intelligence Act?
The EU Artificial Intelligence Act is the first legal framework regulating AI systems in Europe. It classifies AI based on risk level. High-risk systems follow stringent regulations. These rules include transparency, data quality, and safety requirements.
3. Is following the EU AI Act different from following GDPR?
Both yes and no. The EU AI Act is distinct regulation. However, it overlaps with GDPR in areas like transparency, data governance, and accountability. Organisations must comply with both.
5. Who must comply with the GDPR and the EU AI Act regulations?
Any organization that develops, uses, or shares AI applications in the EU must follow GDPR. They must also comply with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act once it is in effect.
