IDPC delivers keynote at MDIA conference to the education community

31 December 2025

Dr Marco Fagnano, legal counsel at the Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC), delivered a keynote at a conference organised by the MDIA, titled "Ethics by Design: Shaping the AI Future", held at the Chaplain's Hall, Kalkara, beneath the national Esplora Interactive Science Centre. The conference, which hosted a large number of educators, students and the general public, provided insights on the EU AI Act and the national strategy, AI and AI ethics in education and curriculum, as well as data protection.

The keynote delivered by Dr Fagnano titled "Beyond Compliance: Data Protection, Ethics, and AI in Practice" offered guidance to educators on the use of AI systems in admissions, grading, and academic development. The session hence focused on adherence with the EU AI Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where AI is intended to be introduced within educational settings.

Dr Fagnano outlined how GDPR principles—such as lawfulness and purpose limitation—apply in educational settings, providing practical examples based on local legislation. He highlighted the high-risk nature of AI applications such as biased admissions, automated grading and behavioural monitoring, which can significantly affect students’ future prospects and infringe their fundamental rights to privacy and data protection.

Educators were guided to critically assess AI-driven decision-making, particularly regarding progression or support access, and to comply with Article 22 of the GDPR by avoiding decisions made solely through automated or autonomous means. Dr Fagnano stressed the need for human oversight, accountability, and mechanisms to prevent bias or discrimination, especially against vulnerable or disadvantaged students.

Ultimately, Dr Marco Fagnano emphasized that AI should support—not replace—human judgment, ensuring human intervention to prevent long-term academic or professional prejudice, which must remain a key national priority with the adoption of AI.

As part of its supervisory role under the AI Act, the IDPC is raising awareness ahead of the entry into force of the remaining sections of the AI Act in close coordination with the MDIA, with special attention to the Education community.