Ivana BARTOLETTI

Ivana Bartoletti, Vice-President, Global Chief Privacy and AI Governance Officer, WIPRO. Ivana is Privacy and AI governance Thought Leader. She is an expert of technology, privacy, and data ethics. A commentator and public speaker, Ivana is the author of A Digital Union Based on European Values, An Artificial Revolution: On Power, Politics and AI , and The AI Book: The Artificial Intelligence Handbook for Investors, Entrepreneurs, and FinTech Visionaries . Her insights and expertise continue to shape the conversation surrounding the intersection of technology and society.

As technology transforms our world, we face a critical challenge: to drive these advancements in an inclusive manner. By emphasising openness, trust and our values, we can create a robust technological ecosystem that not only benefits society but also protects individual rights and strengthens our collective future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising our daily lives and reshaping the work environment in exciting and daunting ways. While we celebrate the immense potential of these technological advancements, the real challenge lies in leveraging them to fulfill our collective aspirations as a society.

In recent years, the influence of technology has permeated every facet of our existence. From automated systems managing resources to algorithms that curate our online interactions, the digital landscape has dramatically altered how we connect with each other and navigate our daily lives. The impact on the younger generations has been immense. 

Yet, it is essential to recognise that this influence often comes from technology to us, rather than vice versa. This reality illustrates a troubling passivity in our political landscape: all too often, we have positioned ourselves as mere bystanders, attempting to adapt existing norms and regulations without a coherent understanding of their implications.

To build a resilient society, we need robust regulations that foster stability and ensure equitable access to resources. However, a prevailing narrative has taken hold, suggesting that regulatory frameworks in Europe stifle innovation and disadvantage us compared to the United States and China. This argument, while popular, is flawed and ignores the nuances of the situation.

Evaluating progress and attributing Europe’s slower technological trajectory solely to regulation misses the broader context. Criticising the European Union for placing too much emphasis on ethical considerations oversimplifies the complexities involved. The former president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, has correctly warned against both ineffective and overly stringent regulations, stressing the need for a balanced approach. The recent initiatives from the European Commission to streamline regulations are promising. Yet, we must remain aware that many technological tools and platforms today thrived in a largely unregulated environment – an environment that has, as Draghi cautioned, sometimes been detrimental to genuine innovation.

Consider the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), often criticised for complicating business practices. While it certainly poses challenges, it also represents a commitment to respecting individual dignity and privacy. The GDPR acknowledges that breaches of privacy can have serious consequences – an understanding that is becoming increasingly important as technology intermingles with our daily lives.

Building a strong European technology ecosystem is more urgent than ever, especially as the pandemic has underscored our reliance on foreign technology. What principles should guide this progressive approach to technological development? 

First and foremost openness. Believing in sovereignty does not imply isolationism; it ensures that Europe asserts its position within the global supply chain while fostering international partnerships.

Secondly, we should leverage values as a catalyst for growth. For instance, ensuring that data storage and processing occur on European soil and in line with local regulations presents an extraordinary opportunity for businesses within the fast-evolving digital landscape. Building an ecosystem of trust is essential. Citizens must feel empowered to use technology without fear. We must move beyond bureaucratic compliance and foster a culture of experimentation and innovation, where privacy and human rights are integral to technology development. When brilliant minds gather to ensure technology enhances rather than diminishes our humanity, we unlock incredible potential.

Thirdly, we must focus on technologies that promote participation, civic duty and co-design. Instead of viewing AI as a tool for replacing labour, we should regard it as an opportunity to enhance public services and boost business productivity. It is time to invest in leadership that transforms how we approach AI – empowering workers to lead this change rather than diminishing their roles.

Lastly, redefining data privacy as equity is essential. Data is integral to our existence, yet it should be seen as a collective good of extraordinary value. When citizens share their data, they should receive tangible benefits in return. Public involvement in determining what data is collected and how it is used can create a more equitable digital landscape. Redistributing the rewards of the digital revolution is vital to ensuring its benefits reach everyone.
In conclusion, embedding innovation within European values is not merely a choice; it is a vital endeavour to safeguard the very essence of Europe. Embracing this challenge is essential to our commitment to innovation and the future we want to create. By navigating these complexities thoughtfully, we can harness technology to benefit our societies entirely.

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