Homo Digitalis contributes to two EU consultations on the Data Strategy and high-risk AI systems
Last Friday, July 18th, Homo Digitalis submitted detailed input to two public consultations launched by the European Commission.
The first consultation focused on collecting targeted input from stakeholders regarding the implementation of the AI Act (2024/1689) rules for high-risk AI systems. According to Article 6(5) of the AI Act, the Commission must publish guidelines on the practical implementation of the high-risk classification rules by February 2, 2026, accompanied by a list of practical examples of both high-risk and non-high-risk AI systems. Additionally, Article 96(1)(a) requires the Commission to provide guidelines on the application of obligations and responsibilities for high-risk AI systems, including those across the AI value chain, as defined in Article 25. In its submission, Homo Digitalis provided practical examples of AI systems from Greece and other countries, and highlighted key issues that should be clarified in both the classification and compliance guidelines.
The second consultation addressed the EU Data Strategy. Its three goals are to: 1) boost investment in data technologies and promote data sharing through voluntary or funded initiatives; 2) streamline existing rules and develop data tools to reduce administrative burdens; and 3) shape an international data strategy that ensures safeguards for data transfers outside the EU and encourages data inflows into the EU.
In its response, Homo Digitalis raised strong concerns about potential undermining of personal data protection under the pretext of simplification, flexibility, and competitiveness. The organisation reaffirmed its position that fundamental rights must be strengthened through the use of new technologies and rejected the framing of existing legal frameworks as a barrier to innovation. According to Homo Digitalis, the challenges lie primarily in the lack of enforcement and resources, not the laws themselves.
You can read our full submission for the first consultation here.
We thank the drafting team, Stavrina Chousou, Niki Georgakopoulou, Sofia Antonopoulou, and Eleftherios Chelioudakis, for their valuable contributions.
You can read our full submission for the second consultation here, edited by our Executive Director, Eleftherios Chelioudakis.
Homo Digitalis Participates in the 1st Consultation Forum of the Ministry of Digital Governance on the AI Act
On July 2, 2025, Homo Digitalis participated in the 1st Consultation Forum titled: “The Implementation of the AI Act in Greece”, organized by the Ministry of Digital Governance and Expertise France.
The event was held in the context of the TSI Technical Support action “Integrating AI Technologies in the Greek Public Administration”, funded by the European Commission (SG REFORM). Its aim was for the Ministry to gather valuable information, exchange views with stakeholders, explore best practices, challenges, and prospects, and present its proposal for the implementation of the AI Act and AI governance in the country.
Homo Digitalis was invited to participate in the roundtable discussion of the thematic session “Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector”, which focused on the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI systems by public sector entities in Greece.
During the event, we submitted our written views on the questions raised in the thematic session to the Ministry, distributed copies of our statements to relevant decision-making bodies, and presented them orally as part of our contribution during the roundtable discussion.
We sincerely thank the organizers and speakers of the event for including us and giving us the opportunity to share our positions! Homo Digitalis was represented by Eleftherios Chelioudakis, Co-founder and Executive Director of Homo Digitalis, who also is the editor our statements.
You can view our written positions here (in EL).
Joint Declaration for the Creation of a Human Rights Protection Network in the Development & Use of AI Systems – GAIN
We are proud to announce the official launch of a collaborative and inclusive network, committed to the protection and promotion of Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law in the development and use of Artificial Intelligence systems in Greece.
The network was born out of a multi-stakeholder dialogue initiated during the February 2025 event organized by Homo Digitalis, in light of the implementation of the European Artificial Intelligence Regulation (Regulation 2024/1689).
The text of the Declaration is available here.
The mission of the network is to serve as a space for collaboration, advocacy, legal interventions, and public awareness, ensuring that AI systems in Greece comply with fundamental rights and democratic values, as enshrined in the Greek Constitution, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The working title of the network is Greek Artificial Intelligence Network – GAIN. The founding conference, which will take place within three (3) months, will determine the network’s governance framework, guiding principles, and future direction.
The initiative is coordinated by Homo Digitalis, with the support of the European Artificial Intelligence & Society Fund (EAISF), and is open to any interested organization.
If you are interested, you can fill in the participation form here.
Founding organizations of the network (in alphabetical order):
Ανοιχτό Εργαστήριο Αθήνα | Open Lab Athens
Δίκτυο για τα Δικαιώματα του Παιδιού | Network for Children’s Rights
Ε.Κ.ΠΟΙ.ΖΩ.Ένωση Καταναλωτών «Η Ποιότητα της Ζωής» | Consumers’ Association “The Quality of Life” EKPIZO
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΥΓΕΣ | GREEK COUNCIL FOR REFUGEES
Οργανισμός Ανοιχτών Τεχνολογιών – ΕΕΛΛΑΚ | Open Technologies Alliance (GFOSS)
ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΡΙΟ ΑΣΤΥΝΟΜΕΥΣΗΣ copwatch.gr
DATAWO
HIAS Greece
Homo Digitalis
I Have Rights
KnowledgeRights21 (National coordinator for Greece and Cyprus)
OmniaTV (iCase Κοιν.Σ.Επ.)
Reporters United
Solomon
Vouliwatch
WHEN Equity Empowerment Change
WWF Greece
Homo Digitalis Speaks Once Again at CPDP!
Homo Digitalis participated once again in the largest international conference on data protection, Computers, Privacy and Data Protection (CPDP), with a talk on the panel “Protecting the Digital Rights of Asylum Seekers and Refugees”, organized by the Centre for Fundamental Rights – Hertie School!
Eleftherios Chelioudakis, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Homo Digitalis, represented us as a speaker on the panel, alongside Francesca Palmiotto (IE University), Derya Ozkul (University of Warwick), and Joanna Parkin (EDPS – European Data Protection Supervisor) on Friday, May 23.
Congratulations to the organizing team at the Hertie School and to Ida Reihani for the excellent collaboration!
Homo Digitalis meets with the National Commissioner for Human Rights (NCHR)
The Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR) welcomed the NGO Homo Digitalis to its offices on May 13, 2025, for a meeting focused on digital rights and artificial intelligence.
Among other topics, the discussion covered recent developments in the field of emerging technologies, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and its implementation, as well as the role of the GNCHR under the Regulation, following its designation as one of the authorities referred to in Article 77 (Powers of Fundamental Rights Monitoring Authorities).
Participants in the meeting included Professor Maria Gavouneli, President of the GNCHR, Elli Varchalama, Second Vice-President of the GNCHR, Dr. Christos Tsevas, Special Scientist, Eleftherios Chelioudakis, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Homo Digitalis and Lambrini Gyftokosta, Director of Human Rights & Artificial Intelligence at Homo Digitalis.
Homo Digitalis speaks at Digital World Summit Greece
Speaker Announcement | Digital World Summit Greece 2025 – 22/05/2025
We are pleased to announce that Stefanos Vitoratos will represent Homo Digitalis as a speaker on the second panel of Digital World Summit Greece 2025, titled:
“The Future of Artificial Intelligence: The Next Decade in AI Development and Best Practices.”
Register here to attend the conference for free, either in person at Technopolis City of Athens or online.
Stefanos Vitoratos is a Co-founder of Homo Digitalis and Managing Partner at Digital Law Experts (DLE), specializing in data protection compliance, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
He is a member of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) Pool of Experts for Greece, Co-Chair of the Hellenic Knowledgenet Chapter of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), and has been awarded the title Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) by IAPP, holding both CIPP/E and CIPM certifications.
He is also a member of the Research Group of the Center for AI & Digital Policy (CAIDP) and collaborates with the European Commission as an Ethics Expert for funded projects. In the past, he has served as a consultant for leading companies in Greece as well as at the Permanent Representation of Greece to NATO.
In parallel, he is pursuing his academic path as a PhD Candidate in the Department of Public Administration at Panteion University, focusing on AI in public administration and public-private cooperation in relevant projects. He holds a Law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and two Master’s degrees from City, University of London and Panteion University.
He frequently delivers professional seminars, publishes scholarly articles, and participates in academic conferences as a speaker or moderator.
Homo Digitalis is once again participating in the Digital World Summit Greece "AI Realities: Policy, Possibilities, Power"
The Digital World Summit Greece returns in 2025, taking place in Athens on Thursday, May 22, to shape the ongoing discussion around the developments and realities of Artificial Intelligence at a technological, political, social, and cultural level.
This year’s conference focuses on three key pillars:
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Opportunities and challenges for Greece as a hotspot of technological advancement
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The next steps in AI evolution and best practices
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Safe development and use of Artificial Intelligence
Renowned speakers and representatives from the government, private and public sector, civil society, as well as the technical and academic community, will gather to discuss and propose solutions regarding crucial aspects of AI use and governance at national, European, and global levels.
The event will conclude with networking drinks.
Thursday, May 22 | 10:00–18:30 at Technopolis City of Athens– “Miltiadis Evert” Amphitheatre & Online
Free admission (registration required). Secure your spot and help shape the Future of Artificial Intelligence here.
Stay tuned to Digital World Summit Greece‘s channels for more updates on themes and speakers!
We successfully participated at the panel "AI, Ethics & Family" at the event organized by the Leonteios School Network
Another proud moment! Our co-founder Stefanos Vitoratos and partner at Digital Law Experts (DLE) participated earlier the previous week, in the LeonteiosAI- Shaping the world of education Conference held at the iconic Acropolis Museum, as a Leonteios School Athens alumni and a member of the LeonteiosAI Committee!
Stefanos has contributed to the initiative on adopting AI as part of the school’s educational procedure. Heartfelt thanks to the organizers and committee members for assembling such an inspiring and forward-thinking group of professionals.
Homo Digitalis is member of UNESCO's Global AI Ethics & Governance Observatory
We are very pleased to announce that Homo Digitalis has been selected as a member of UNESCO’s Global AI Ethics & Governance Observatory!
Homo Digitalis is the only member of the network from Greece, once again highlighting our strong expertise and experience on these issues since the very first months of our founding, back in 2018!
You can learn more about the organizations participating in the network and its activities here.