As organisations increasingly integrate AI into their operational processes, 2026 brings new challenges and responsibilities. Ensuring that AI systems are used safely, fairly, and in compliance with GDPR and the upcoming EU AI Act is no longer optional — it is essential for legal compliance, operational integrity, and trust.

Here are some key considerations:

AI: Hero or Villain? Control Determines the Outcome
AI is capable of remarkable feats – from predictive healthcare to automated decision-making – but its impact depends entirely on how ethically and responsibly it is applied. AI trained on large datasets can amplify bias as easily as it can improve efficiency, making governance essential.

Evaluate AI Systems Through a Risk-Based Lens
The EU AI Act introduces a risk-tiered framework similar to GDPR’s accountability principles. For 2026, organisations should:

• Identify high-risk AI systems (e.g., hiring tools, credit assessment, biometric systems)
• Apply strict requirements for transparency, human oversight, and data governance
• Label and disclose AI-generated content where required

Incorporate AI Into DPIAs
AI systems often meet GDPR’s “high-risk” threshold due to profiling, automation, and potential impacts on individuals. Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) should examine:

• Algorithmic bias
• Data quality and minimisation
• Transparency challenges (e.g., black-box decision-making)
• Safeguards such as human review, anonymisation, and clear legal bases for training data

Ensure Ethical Intent in AI Deployment
Beyond compliance, 2026 requires organisations to deploy AI ethically, with human values and societal benefit in mind. Ethical intent includes:

• Prioritising fairness
• Preventing discrimination
• Ensuring accountability in automated decisions
• Designing technology that serves people, rather than replacing responsibility

Conclusion
As AI continues to reshape industries, organisations must proactively address compliance, ethics, and governance. By adopting a risk-based approach and embedding ethical intent into AI deployment, businesses can harness the benefits of AI safely, responsibly, and in alignment with both regulatory expectations and societal values. Get in touch to find our how ProvePrivacy can assist your business.