The European AI Roundtable convened for the third time this year in Brussels, organized by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe). The meeting focused on addressing issues at the intersection of artificial intelligence and privacy amid regulatory uncertainties in the EU.

This discussion coincided with the European Data Protection Board's (EDPB) preparation to release its opinion on using personal data in AI model training. This forthcoming opinion is expected to significantly impact not only the AI ecosystem but also Europe's economy.

Participants, including AI experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, explored ways to align Europe's ambitious AI objectives with its commitment to privacy. The complex regulatory landscape within the EU has posed challenges for companies aiming to innovate and integrate AI technologies. Some AI products available elsewhere are currently withheld from European consumers due to these uncertainties.

Central to the roundtable were discussions about how personal data is processed during AI training and operation under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Participants emphasized that a well-informed EDPB opinion is crucial for providing clarity necessary for innovation in AI firms.

Daniel Friedlaender, Senior Vice President and Head of CCIA Europe, stated: “Compliance with EU privacy rules is a key priority for AI companies, even though they face tremendous legal uncertainty in this area. CCIA Europe believes the GDPR’s technology-neutral and flexible design should remain central to guidance on AI training.”

He further urged European data protection authorities and particularly the EDPB to accelerate efforts in providing legal certainty: “We call on European data protection authorities, and the EDPB in particular, to speed up efforts to provide legal certainty and align the interpretation of fundamental privacy principles with evolving technological developments.”

During the event, Professor Théodore Christakis introduced a study on "AI hallucinations," examining their interaction with EU data protection law. Etienne Drouard from Hogan Lovells also discussed challenges businesses face due to regulatory interplay between the AI Act and GDPR.