The Ombudsman launched a strategic initiative to ensure that there is sufficient transparency regarding how the European Commission is developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced information technologies. The initiative also aimed to raise awareness about the need to ensure accountability in how decisions to introduce such technologies are taken and subsequently implemented.

The Ombudsman welcomed that the Commission had proactively published a communication setting out comprehensively its approach to using AI. She encouraged the Commission to further reflect on how it will continue to ensure transparency around its use of AI and how it will engage the public in the future in its decisions on developing and deploying the AI systems that may have a significant impact on its decision-making processes.

The Ombudsman welcomed measures taken by the Commission to ensure its use of ‘high-risk’ AI systems complies with the recently-adopted AI Act . She nonetheless drew attention to the need to ensure that all AI systems that support its decision making (and not just those deemed ‘high-risk’) produce accurate results, enable the EU administration to provide reasons for its decisions and remain under effective human oversight. To this end, the Commission could consider adopting a voluntary code of conduct, as mentioned in the AI Act, for AI systems that are not deemed ‘high-risk’.