Аs Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become an integral part of everyday life, AI systems increasingly rely on vast amounts of personal data, raising important questions about privacy, transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.  In this context, a one-day training on AI and personal data protection was organised for the staff of the Personal Data Protection Agency of North Macedonia, bringing together experts and practitioners to address emerging regulatory and practical challenges.

The activity organised by the EU and Council of Europe joint action on “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in North Macedonia (PRO-FREX)”, aimed to strengthen the institutional capacities of domestic actors in addressing AI-related challenges in the evolving digital and regulatory landscape.

The activity focused on the implications of AI for data protection within the European regulatory framework, with particular attention to the EU AI Act and the Council of Europe’s 2024 Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. Through expert-led sessions, participants explored how national data protection authorities can ensure compliance with European standards while safeguarding personal data and fundamental rights in the context of AI-driven systems.

Key topics discussed included the regulation of high-risk AI systems, transparency and accountability requirements, data protection impact assessments, consent, automated decision-making, and the risks of algorithmic bias. The discussions also examined the relationship between AI and the General Data Protection Regulation, highlighting the crucial role of data protection authorities in overseeing and enforcing these standards at the national level.

The training was delivered by international consultants from the Dutch Data Protection Agency, who shared their expertise and practical experience in AI governance and data protection. Their contributions provided participants with valuable insights into implementation challenges and good practices, while also fostering opportunities for future cooperation between the Dutch and North Macedonian data protection authorities.

The activity was organised in the framework of the action “Protecting Freedom of Expression and Media in North Macedonia (PRO-FREX)”, part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.