The Ombudsman has written to the European Commission to ask how it decides on and uses artificial intelligence (AI) in its decision making.

The Ombudsman noted that while rapid developments in AI can improve the quality and efficiency of work they pose major challenges when it comes to accuracy, potential bias, explainability, and human oversight. She also stressed that public administrations must ensure that AI only assists in human decision making and does not replace it. 

The Ombudsman’s questions to the Commission focus on its use of AI in three particular areas—the analysis of public feedback, the discovery of potential infringements of EU competition rules, and complaint handling. With regard to these areas, she has asked the Commission about the automation of tasks, decision making concerning the use of AI, transparency of how it takes decisions on AI use, and accountability.

The Ombudsman has asked the Commission to reply by 14 June 2024.