Understanding Data Privacy Laws for AI in Romania

If you are working with artificial intelligence (AI) in Romania, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the data privacy laws that apply to your AI projects.

The Romanian legal framework for data privacy in relation to AI is primarily governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) implemented through Law No. 190/2018.

The GDPR sets out the fundamental principles and requirements for the processing of personal data, and it is regulated by the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP).

The ANSPDCP provides guidelines that align with the main GDPR principles.

In addition to the GDPR, there are specific provisions in Law No. 190/2018 that address the processing of certain categories of personal data, the role of data protection officers and certification bodies, as well as the applicable sanctions for both public and private entities.

The ANSPDCP has also released guidelines and established a GDPR resource center to provide general guidance on the application of the GDPR in Romania.

These resources can be useful references for ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and understanding the ethical implications of AI.

With the increasing adoption of AI and the implementation of the GDPR, there has been a rise in data privacy litigation cases in Romania.

Many of these cases involve credit institutions and negative credit scoring.

Some court decisions have resulted in the awarding of indemnification to data subjects for illegal data processing.

Key Legislative and Regulatory Provisions

In Romania, data privacy in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) is governed primarily by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Law No. 190/2018, which implements the GDPR.

These laws set the framework for data protection and privacy, ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

Law No. 190/2018 provides specific provisions related to the processing of personal data, the appointment of data protection officers, and the certification of compliance.

It also outlines the applicable sanctions for both public and private entities in case of non-compliance with data privacy regulations.

The National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of GDPR in Romania.

They provide guidelines and resources through their GDPR resource center, offering guidance on the application of GDPR principles in the context of Romanian law.

Since the implementation of the GDPR, there has been an increase in data privacy litigation cases in Romania.

Organizations, especially credit institutions, have faced lawsuits related to illegal data processing and negative credit scoring.

In some instances, courts have awarded compensation to individuals whose data privacy rights were violated.

It is crucial for entities operating in Romania to understand and comply with the legislative and regulatory provisions surrounding data privacy.

By adhering to the GDPR and local laws, organizations can ensure the protection of personal data and mitigate the risk of penalties and sanctions.

Scope of Application

In Romania, the scope of application of data privacy laws for artificial intelligence (AI) is defined by various factors, including the personal, territorial, and material scope.

These factors determine the extent to which the laws apply to the processing of personal data and the jurisdiction under which they fall.

Understanding the scope of application is crucial for organizations and individuals involved in AI-related activities.

Under Romanian law, the scope of application encompasses both public and private entities that engage in the processing of personal data.

This includes organizations such as businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Additionally, Law 363/2018 specifically applies to competent authorities for criminal offense prevention and control.

The territorial scope of application extends to processing operations undertaken within Romania or by controllers and processors headquartered in Romania.

This means that regardless of the location of the data subjects, if the processing activities occur within the country or involve Romanian-based entities, they are subject to Romanian data privacy legislation.

Furthermore, the scope of application also includes the processing of specific categories of data, such as biometric and health data, national identification numbers, and employee data.

The implementation and enforcement of data privacy laws in Romania, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), are overseen by the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP).

The ANSPDCP plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and providing guidance on the interpretation and application of the law.

Overview of the Scope of Application:

Rights of Data Subjects

As a data subject in Romania, you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national legislation. These rights empower you to exercise control over your personal data and ensure its proper handling by organizations.

Here are some key rights that you possess:

1. Access to Personal Data: You have the right to request access to the personal data that organizations hold about you. This includes information about the purposes of processing, the categories of data being processed, and the recipients of your data.
2. Rectification of Personal Data: If you find that your personal data held by organizations is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request its rectification. This ensures that the data being processed is accurate and up to date.
3. Erasure of Personal Data: You can request the erasure of your personal data under certain circumstances, such as when the data is no longer necessary for the purposes it was collected or processed, or if you withdraw your consent.
4. Right to Be Forgotten: Similar to the erasure right, the right to be forgotten allows you to request the deletion of your personal data, especially when it is being processed unlawfully or excessively.
5. Right to Restriction of Processing: You have the right to restrict the processing of your personal data in certain situations, such as when you contest its accuracy or when the processing is unlawful.
6. Data Portability: If you provided your personal data to an organization based on your consent or for the performance of a contract, you have the right to receive that data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. You can also request the transfer of your data to another organization, if technically feasible.
7. Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data, including automated decision-making, profiling, or direct marketing activities. Organizations must respect your objection, unless they demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for processing that override your interests, rights, and freedoms.

In case you believe that your data privacy rights have been violated, you can file complaints with the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP).

The ANSPDCP is responsible for handling investigations, complaints, and enforcement actions related to data privacy in Romania. They play a crucial role in safeguarding your rights and ensuring that organizations comply with data privacy laws.