Article 77 of the AI Act: 6 months after the designation of the Fundamental Rights Authorities
On the first official deadline set by the Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act), it required member states to appoint one or more authorities in accordance with Article 77 for the protection of fundamental rights by November 2, 2024.
Today, May 2, 2025 — six months after the deadline — 25 out of the 27 European countries have appointed a total of 210 authorities, a number that seems staggering and at the same time sends a strong message about how seriously these countries take the issue of fundamental rights. But does it reflect reality?
With this brief study, we aim to provide answers to the following questions:
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What is the purpose of Article 77 of the AI Regulation?
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Which authorities have been appointed by the member states to date?
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What powers does the AI Regulation actually grant to these regulatory authorities, and what obligations arise from Article 78 of the AI Regulation regarding the confidentiality of information?
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Who are the four national authorities that have taken on this role, what are their existing and new powers under the AI Regulation?
Through a case study, our Director on Fundamental Rights and AI, Lamprini Gyftokosta, attempts to explore how these authorities will cooperate, while also raising some questions that will undoubtedly concern us over time.
You can read our study here (EL).
We publish our 4th Study on the AI ACT – Comparative overview of the provisions on the rights of affected individuals
Today, April 11, 2025, Homo Digitalis publishes its fourth study on the provisions of Regulation 2024/1689 on Artificial Intelligence (AI), widely known as the AI Act.
This study focuses on the right to explanation and the right of individuals not to be subject to automated decision-making.
Specifically, the use of artificial intelligence systems for making automated decisions is continuously expanding in both the public and private sectors, with significant impacts on the individuals subjected to them.
Therefore, this study examines the legal remedies available to individuals affected by decisions made through the use of AI. The analysis focuses on the right to an explanation of individual decision-making as provided in Article 86 of Regulation 2024/1689. However, since the protection of affected individuals is not limited solely to these provisions, the analysis extends to the right to contest individual decision-making, which—under appropriate interpretation—is based on Article 22 of Regulation 2016/679, known as the GDPR.
The study’s authors are two distinguished legal professionals and volunteer members of Homo Digitalis: Maria-Evangelia Konstantopoulou and Stratygia-Danai Skevi (listed alphabetically).
You can read our 4th study here.
We remind you that we have published three previous studies on Regulation 2024/1689 and its transposition into the Greek legal order: in October (impact assessment on fundamental rights), November (AI governance and competent supervisory authorities), and December (prohibited practices) of 2024, respectively.
This intensive effort aims to contribute constructively to the public dialogue in Greece and at the EU level in the field of artificial intelligence, and it is the result of significant support from the European Artificial Intelligence & Society Fund.
Homo Digitalis Interview on NAFTEMPORIKI TV’s "REVIEW" with Takis Spiliopoulos
Yesterday evening, Homo Digitalis was featured on NAFTEMPORIKI TV’s show “REVIEW”, hosted by journalist Takis Spiliopoulos.
Representing our team, Eleftherios Chelioudakis participated in an engaging discussion about our work in public awareness and policy shaping.
Key Discussion Points
–Targeted commercial advertising and its ethical implications
–Addiction to digital platforms
–AI legislation and its impact on society
NGI TALER – Privacy-Focused Digital Payments
We also discussed NGI – The Next Generation Internet and its open funding calls under NGI TALER, a European Commission co-funded initiative aimed at developing a privacy-focused digital payment platform using open-source principles.
(Interested applicants can apply here)
Other Featured Guests
The episode also included insightful discussions with:
–Antonis Ballis, Assistant Professor of Financial Technology, on cash and digital transactions
–Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance, on the future of digital policy
A huge thank you to NAFTEMPORIKI TV, Takis Spiliopoulos, and the entire journalistic team, including Liana Thanou, for the kind invitation and the opportunity to share our work.
Watch the full interview here.
From Secrecy to Transparency: The Five-Year Battle for the Publication of Police Camera Operation Decisions
Strategic legal action takes time, but its outcomes benefit society as a whole, strengthening public trust in institutions.
In December 2020, Homo Digitalis, in collaboration with Reporters United and The Press Project, formally requested access to the Hellenic Police’s decisions regarding the operation of drones and other portable cameras in public spaces, as stipulated in Article 12 of Presidential Decree 75/2020. Despite the legal obligation to publish these decisions publicly, the police refused access, disregarding the transparency required by law.
A few months later, in May 2021, we filed a joint complaint before the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA), citing repeated non-compliance by the police—at least 67 times over a short period. The HDPA launched an investigation into the legality of these practices.
In early 2024, we submitted a request for access to HDPA documents to better understand the progress of the investigation. Correspondence between the Hellenic Police and the HDPA revealed that, even as of March 2024, the police continued to argue that Presidential Decree 75/2020 did not require them to publish camera operation decisions, despite the HDPA’s opposing view.
Yesterday, through a report by journalist Giannis Bazaios in Efimerida ton Syntakton, we learned that such a decision had been published on the Hellenic Police’s website. Indeed, upon verification, we found that as of February 17, 2025, the police had changed their practice and begun publishing these decisions as required by law. The report was published today online here.
From the initial refusal in 2020, it took five years for this change to be implemented. We now eagerly await the final decision of the HDPA and the conclusion of its investigation, which will establish a definitive framework for transparency and accountability within law enforcement.
Homo Digitalis Interview on ANT1's show "Your Business Can" with Fai Chrysοchoou
On Sunday, March 9, Homo Digitalis was featured on ANT1’s program “Your Business Can”, hosted by journalist Fai Chrysοchoou.
A huge thank you to the journalist and her team, including Toni Aravadinos, for the kind invitation and their interest in our work!
Key Discussion Points
Representing Homo Digitalis, Eleftherios Chelioudakis spoke about:
–Artificial Intelligence and its regulatory framework
–How legislation acts as a driver of innovation, trust, and entrepreneurship
The Reality of AI & Business Growth
Many non-EU tech companies have historically followed the “Move Fast and Break Things” model, leading to:
–Numerous violations & fines imposed by European regulators
–Social polarization and addiction to social media
–The spread of misinformation
Why Compliance is an Advantage
–Businesses that comply with regulations gain a competitive edge
–Strong legal foundations enable sustainable growth
-Compliance fosters trust, stability, and access to the unified digital market
Ultimately, legislation does not hinder business—it fuels long-term success and strengthens democratic societies!
What’s Happening with the 1,000 Smart Policing Devices of the Hellenic Police, Five Years After Our Complaint to the Hellenic Data Protection Authority ?
What is the status of the 1,000 portable smart policing devices used by the Hellenic Police as part of the Smart Policing program, which incorporate artificial intelligence technologies and cost €4 million? (Spoiler alert: the news is not good!)
Journalist Eftychia Soufleri has written a detailed article for NEWS247.gr (THE MAGAZINE) shedding light on the case and highlighting the key actions taken by Homo Digitalis since 2019. Our Executive Director, Eleftherios Chelioudakis, provided statements on behalf of our organization.
Significant Revelations Emerge for the First Time!
According to the report, despite the absence of any legal framework allowing their use, the Hellenic Police:
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Claims to have been using the devices operationally since 2021, even though the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA) has been investigating the matter since August 2020 and continues to do so today.
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Confirms that it fully utilizes the biometric processing capabilities of these devices (facial recognition, fingerprint identification).
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Validates what was outlined in the 2018 technical specifications document, namely that the devices are used for “preventive policing”, with the collected data potentially being used in the future to establish correlations, conclusions, and predictive analytics.
Awaiting the HDPA’s Decision
We are still awaiting the Hellenic Data Protection Authority’s decision, as its investigation has now lasted over 4 years and 7 months (initiated in August 2020). The situation is escalating rapidly, and the risks to democracy and human rights protection are extremely high.
A big thank you to the journalist for her interest in our work!
You can read the full article here.
We are co-organizing an event on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection at the JOIST Innovation Park in Larissa!
On March 20, 2025, from 18:00 to 20:30, Homo Digitalis is delighted to co-organize and participate in the event “Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection: Resilience, Compliance, Innovation” at the JOIST Innovation Park in Larissa!
The event aims to raise awareness and empower businesses of all industries and sizes so they can become resilient and innovate safely while respecting citizens’ rights.
Speakers at the event include:
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Michail Bletsas, Head of the National Cybersecurity Authority
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Panagiotis Soulos, Member of ISC2 Hellenic Chapter, Information Security GRC Senior Manager at STEELMET Corporate Services
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Lamprini Gyftokosta, Director of Human Rights & Artificial Intelligence at Homo Digitalis
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Giannis Koukouras, Member of ISC2 Hellenic Chapter, Managing Director at TwelveSec
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Karina Iskandarova, Founder of CharismaWorks
The event will be moderated by Anastassios Arabatzis from Bora – Cybersecurity Marketing and Homo Digitalis.
Register for free here.
Read the Pocket Guide on Protecting Your Privacy During Protests
Today, Friday, February 28, marks two years since the Tempi train tragedy. Strikes and work stoppages have been organized across Greece and abroad to honor the memory of the 57 victims, demand justice, and hold those responsible accountable.
But what about your devices and personal data? How can you take steps to protect them during a protest?
Homo Digitalis, in collaboration with Software Makers, a nonprofit organization based in Heraklion, Crete, has translated and adapted the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s (EFF) Pocket Guide to Greek legal and practical realities. The guide provides essential steps to take before, during, and after a protest to help you safeguard both yourself and your data.
We stand in solidarity and offer our unwavering support!
The guide is available for download and printing here.
The Protect Not Surveil coalition publishes its report on the Europol Regulation
Today, the #ProtectNotSurveil coalition, in which Homo Digitalis serves as a member, launches its report on the Europol Regulation and calls for the full rejection of the European Commission’s proposal.
The Europol Regulation inadvertently supports the business model of smugglers while criminalising migration.
Crucially, the Europol Regulation:
- expands Europol’s surveillance capacity beyond its mandate under the pretext of fighting ‘migrant smuggling’, giving Europol new powers “in relation to all crimes for which it is competent”;
- The EDPS has already raised concerns that the file poses significant risks to the data and privacy rights of migrants, allowing mass data collection and sharing between Member States and EU agencies with known human rights violations (Frontex), as well as third countries without any legal basis for data sharing with the EU;
- The proposal is unsafe and unsubstantiated, presented without a proper impact assessment and based on false claims that smugglers pose the greatest threat to the safety of migrants (UN report);
- Millions in EU public funds will be wasted on Europol’s new activities for a false solution to migration management that simply will not work.
A summary of our position was also published in EUobserver. The full report is available here.