The Council of Europe participated in the Conference on AI & Big Data: Humans Powered by AI in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, on 18-19 April. Represented by the Head of the Council of Europe office in Chisinau, and a data protection expert, attendees learned of the important frameworks and laws governing AI and big data in Europe during keynote speeches, while also being informed of the work being carried out by the Council of Europe. The Conference included presentations and debates on a multitude of topics where the Council of Europe plays a major role in shaping legislation and standards, such as using AI tools in government, teaching children about the opportunities and pitfalls of using their smartphones and how to protect themselves, or how businesses can use large collections of data to increase the efficiency of traffic, on the road or in the air.

A meeting also took place with the National Centre for the Protection of Data of a Personal nature (NCPDP), in order to organise near- and long-term cooperation with the Council of Europe’s Data Protection Unit, the context of the current and future Action Plans for the Republic of Moldova. Several activities were discussed which could lead to improved data protection legislation and awareness in the country, such as study visits, trainings, or the development of campaigns.