The Catalan Data Protection Authority (APDCAT) has reinforced the need for ethical and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) that aligns with European regulations on fundamental rights and privacy.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, APDCAT Director Meritxell Borràs emphasised that compliance with the AI Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is crucial for companies seeking to compete in the European digital market.
During the panel discussion, Artificial Intelligence Act and General Data Protection Regulation: Implications for International Cooperation and Enforcement, Borràs stated that companies must adhere to European AI and data protection standards to ensure legal and technical certainty while fostering innovation.
“The exchange of information is essential to designing and developing AI systems, but suppliers and developers must comply with European regulations and establish a legal basis for data flows,” she said.
While acknowledging the complexity of these regulations, Borràs highlighted the importance of collaboration between regulators, public entities, and private businesses to create a balanced framework that protects users while promoting technological advancements.
Borràs underscored APDCAT’s role in AI governance, pointing out that the Spanish government has recognised the authority as one of the key regulators protecting fundamental rights under the AI Act. She noted that AI cannot exist without data, just as the vast digital landscape would not be possible without the billions of people engaging online. “Finding balance in a globalised world will not be easy, but we must continue working to build the digital society we aspire to,” she concluded.
The panel, moderated by APDCAT’s Legal Department Head, Xavier Urios Aparisi, featured insights from Lieven Brouwers, Head of Sector for Data Flows at the European Commission. Brouwers emphasised that data is more than a commercial asset; it is fundamental to human dignity and autonomy. Trust, therefore, remains a decisive factor in the digital economy.
Brouwers outlined how GDPR has paved the way for new EU digital regulations, including the AI Act, which aims to safeguard fundamental rights while allowing AI development to flourish responsibly. He stressed the necessity of global cooperation in regulating AI and data use, citing the role of data protection authorities in providing guidance and enforcement to maintain ethical AI practices.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into society, APDCAT’s message at MWC 2025 underscores the importance of aligning innovation with ethical standards. With growing regulatory frameworks in place, businesses that prioritise transparency, privacy, and compliance will be best positioned to succeed in the evolving digital landscape.
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