Artificial Intelligence has become one of the most transformative technologies of our time, but with this power comes significant responsibility. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, from facial recognition to autonomous vehicles, it's crucial to understand the evolving legal framework that governs their development and deployment.
The Greek and EU Perspective
Greece, as a member state of the European Union, is following the EU's comprehensive approach to AI regulation. The AI Act, proposed by the European Commission in April 2023, establishes a risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems. This approach classifies AI applications based on their potential risks:
- Unacceptable Risk - Such systems are banned due to their potential to cause significant harm (e.g., AI used for mass surveillance)
- High Risk - Requires compliance with strict requirements (e.g., AI affecting fundamental rights)
- Medium/Low Risk - Subject to lighter requirements but still requires transparency
Ethical Considerations in AI Development
As legal practitioners, we must consider not just compliance, but the broader ethical implications of AI systems. Key considerations include:
- Algorithmic transparency and explainability
- Prevention of bias in AI decision-making
- Data governance and user consent for AI training
- Human oversight requirements
- Environmental impact of AI infrastructure
AI and Data Privacy
The intersection of AI and data protection is particularly complex. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) already contains provisions relevant to AI:
Article 15 (Right to Explanation)
Data subjects have the right to understand how automated decisions about them are made, including decisions based on AI algorithms.
This raises important questions about:
- When is AI considered "decision-making" under GDPR?
- How can organizations meet the "right to explanation" in complex AI systems?
- What constitutes meaningful transparency in AI contexts?
Practical Compliance for Greek Organizations
Organizations deploying AI in Greece should consider:
Risk Assessment
Conduct AI risk assessments to identify potential legal and ethical issues with new AI implementations.
Documentation
Maintain detailed records of training data, model decisions, and human oversight mechanisms.
Governance
Establish multidisciplinary AI governance committees including legal, technical, and ethical expertise.
Transparency
Design systems with 'explainable AI' principles to ensure users understand how decisions are made.
