If you are interested in proposing a panel for CPDP.ai 2025, we are happy to announce an extension to 8 December 11:59pm CET.

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This 18th edition of our renowned data protection conference, themed “The World is Watching,” will take place from 21-23 May 2025, at Maison de La Poste (same location as last year).

The Dutch Data Protection Authority imposed a € 30.5 million fine on Clearview AI for violating the privacy rights of Dutch citizens. The decision accuses the facial recognition company of "unlawful processing of personal data" and "processing a special category of personal data (biometric data)" without consent or legitimate interest.

The Council of Europe opened the world's first legally binding international treaty on AI for signature. The Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law aims to ensure AI systems align with fundamental rights and democratic principles.

1 August 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the history of artificial intelligence regulation as the European Union's AI Act officially enters into force. This landmark legislation aims to establish a comprehensive framework for AI governance, emphasizing the protection of fundamental rights and promoting ethical AI practices.

31 July 2024 marks a significant step forward in AI governance as the European AI Office launches two key initiatives aimed at shaping the future of general-purpose AI (GPAI) models under the EU AI Act. These initiatives are critical for ensuring that AI development aligns with ethical standards and fundamental rights, promoting the creation of trustworthy and compliant AI systems.

Recently, the Düsseldorf Regional Court made a noteworthy decision regarding Facebook (Meta) and its treatment of users. The court ruled that Meta violated competition law by blocking a business user's Facebook account without proper justification. This decision highlights important issues about how big tech companies should operate and protect users' rights.

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee and the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee will set up a Working Group to ensure effective implementation of the AI Act. The European Commission plays a central role in the implementation of the AI Act. The Parliament is seeking to ensure the Commission fulfills is its responsibilities.

The Romanian government has officially approved its national Artificial Intelligence strategy. This strategy marks an important step in the country’s quest to foster innovation, boost economic growth, and enhance the efficiency of public services through the integration of AI technologies.

The European Union has officially published the AI Act (EU 2024/1689) on 12 July 2024, the first comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence worldwide. This groundbreaking legislation aims to create a safe and trustworthy AI environment within the EU, addressing concerns about AI's impact on society and fundamental rights.

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) completed its investigation into Snapchat's "My AI" chatbot.

The European Commission hosted a high-level meeting to lay the groundwork for the upcoming AI Board, a key body in implementing the EU's landmark AI Act. The gathering aimed to "set the groundwork for the forthcoming implementation of the AI Act," which is expected to come into force in early August.

The Spanish Government published additional information on its AI Strategy 2024, which was approved on 15 May 2024. The strategy will be implemented during 2024-2025.

Meta Platforms announced that it will not launch its Meta AI models in Europe for now, following a request from the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) to delay the company's plan to use user data for training AI systems. The decision comes in response to complaints filed by the European advocacy group noyb and calls to action from data protection authorities in several European countries.

The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (HmbBfDI) has issued a warning to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads users regarding Meta's new privacy policy. The policy plans to use personal data from these platforms to develop and improve AI technologies. With billions of users affected worldwide, the Commissioner, Thomas Fuchs, emphasises the urgency for users to object to this data processing by 26 June 2024.

(Picutre: Bertold Fabricius)

The Italian Competition Authority has imposed a EUR 3.5 million fine on Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. and its parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., for engaging in two unfair commercial practices related to the registration and management of Facebook and Instagram accounts.

On 3 June 2024, the EDPS has published its guidelines on generative Artificial Intelligence and personal data for EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EUIs). The guidelines aim to support p EUIs comply with the data protection obligations set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, when using or developing generative AI tools (Photo: Wojciech Wiewiórowski, the European Data Protection Supervisor/EDPS).

Interview with CAIDP Europe Executive Director Karine Caunes regarding the launch of CAIDP Europe during the CPDP.ai 2024 conference.

The Austrian DPA stresses that GDPR remains crucial when processing personal data, even with the new AI regulation. Any AI system processing personal data must comply with the data protection principles and have a legal basis for processing. Automated individual decisions must adhere to Article 22 of GDPR, with the data controller bearing the burden of proof for lawful processing. If an AI system is non-compliant with the GDPR, the data protection authority must take corrective measures, including fines.

Concurrent with the AI Act's approval, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) released a report on ongoing investigations of OpenAI’s ChatGPT across the EU. The EDPB report highlights concerns about the use of personal data in training large language models (LLMs) and emphasizes the need for compliance with both the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Act.

The Center for AI and Digital Policy Europe proudly presented the AI Policy Leader Awards to distinguished individuals and organizations. These awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to defending fundamental rights, upholding the rule of law, and promoting democratic values in the realm of artificial intelligence policy.