Dr Monica Borg Galea, the Head of Investigations and Dr Danielle Mallia, Senior Investigator, recently attended a meeting organised by the Malta Digital and Innovation Authority (MDIA), which serves as the national advisor and enabling body for national and EU policies on innovative technology and leads as a national focal point which directs and facilitates the secure and optimal uptake of digital innovation.  The purpose of this meeting was that of creating a forum for continued discussion amongst the various authorities identified by the Authority as the national authorities responsible for the protection of fundamental human rights under Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence, published in the Official Journal in July 2024 (AI Act). 

The Regulation aims at improving the functioning of the internal market and promoting the uptake of human-centric and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), while ensuring a high level of protection of health, safety, fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter, including democracy, the rule of law and environmental protection, against the harmful effects of AI systems in the Union and supporting innovation.  The MDIA acts as a lead Authority for the EU AI Act which requires the identification and, or designation of various authorities and bodies.   In line with the said Regulation the MDIA, which will serve as a market surveillance authority, identified and reached out to a number of authorities responsible for the protection of fundamental rights, amongst which the Office of the Ombudsman, this latter being recognized as an authority involved in the protection human rights, the elements of democracy and the rule of law.

During the said meetings the entities and authorities present discussed their functions as stipulated in the Regulation; the upcoming amendments to local legislation; and approved and adopted the Roundtable Terms of Reference aimed at encouraging long-term dialogue, discussion and cooperation between the entities involved.