The Agency Contributed Expert Opinions in the Audit of AI Projects in the Public Sector

As part of a performance audit conducted by the State Audit Office on the topic “Opportunities for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector”, the Personal Data Protection Agency actively contributed expert opinions and guidance in the area of personal data protection. The audit revealed that between 2018 and 2023, 48 projects incorporating elements of AI were co-financed through the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development, with a total value exceeding € 6 million. However, none of these projects have been successfully implemented in the public sector, primarily due to a lack of transparency, poor publicity, and the absence of a systemic approach.

The Agency highlighted several key aspects that must be integrated into the implementation of AI projects, including:

• Formal Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA)
• Implementation of technical and organizational measures for data protection
• Establishment of accountability mechanisms and transparency in the operation of AI systems

These findings underscore that, without a proper national strategy, legal framework, and ethical standards, the implementation of AI in the public sector remains risky and uncertain for the protection of citizens’ rights.

The full report by the State Audit Office, titled “Final Performance Audit Report: Opportunities for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector”, is available at the following link.