On Monday, October 20, 2025, the conference titled “Artificial Intelligence and Sensitive Data: Challenges, Regulatory Solutions and the Protection of Fundamental Rights” will be held at the Department of Law, Political and International Studies of the University of Parma – Historical Library of Public Law (4th floor, Central Building, Via Università 12).
The event is part of the research project “AI-Biometric Systems and Fundamental Rights Protection: Legal Challenges and Regulatory Solutions in a Comparative Perspective”, coordinated by Dr. Giulia Formici and funded by the University of Parma under the 2024 University Research Call.
In recent years, the growing use of Artificial Intelligence systems based on the processing of biometric and health data has raised critical issues regarding the protection of fundamental rights, the rule of law, and the core pillars of democratic societies. From facial and voice recognition tools to diagnostic support software, the adoption of such technologies presents significant opportunities but also unprecedented risks.
The recent Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 – AI Act, together with the GDPR, marks a key milestone in the European Union’s regulatory journey to govern these innovations. It classifies AI systems based on risk levels and pays particular attention to those relying on “sensitive” data. However, the regulatory framework is still evolving, as evidenced by numerous court decisions and actions by national independent authorities, including the Italian Data Protection Authority.
The conference aims to provide a space for reflection and discussion on these topics, featuring contributions from Italian and international scholars and experts. The first session, introduced by Professor Lucia Scaffardi, will include presentations by Marco Bassini (Tilburg University), Edoardo Celeste (Dublin City University), Tomaso Fontanini (University of Parma), Claudio Ferrari (University of Siena), Federica Paolucci (Baffi Centre, Bocconi University Milan), Alessandro Rosanò (University of Palermo), Elisabetta Biasin (KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law), Massimiliano Baroni (University of Parma), and Elena Scalcon (University of Parma).
The afternoon session will be divided into two parallel panels: the first, moderated by Jan De Bruyne (KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law), will take place in the Historical Library of Public Law; the second, moderated by Giuseppe Mobilio (University of Florence), will be held in Aula Bandiera. Both panels will feature presentations by scholars from Italian and international universities, selected through a Call for Abstracts.
Participation in the conference is free of charge, subject to availability, and requires registration via QR Code available in the event flyer.
