The EU has a chance to shape how the world approaches AI and data governance. AI News spoke with Resham Kotecha, Global Head of Policy at the Open Data Institute (ODI), who said that opportunity lies in proving that protecting people’s rights and supporting innovation can go hand in hand.
The ODI’s European Data and AI Policy Manifesto sets out six principles for policymakers, calling for strong governance, inclusive ecosystems, and public participation to guide AI development.
Setting standards in AI and data“The EU has a unique opportunity to shape a global benchmark for digital governance that puts people first,” Kotecha said. The manifesto’s first principle makes clear that innovation and competitiveness must be built on regulation that safeguards people and strengthens trust.
Common European Data Spaces and Gaia-X are early examples of how the EU is building the foundations for AI development while protecting rights. The initiatives aim to create shared infrastructure that lets governments, businesses, and researchers pool data without giving up control. If they succeed, Europe could combine large-scale data use with strong protections for privacy and security.
Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) are another piece of the puzzle. The tools allow organisations to analyse or share insights from sensitive datasets without exposing the raw data itself. Horizon Europe and Digital Europe already support research and deployment of PETs. What is needed now, Kotecha argued, is consistency: “Making sure PETs move out of pilots and into mainstream use.” That shift would allow firms to use more data responsibly and show citizens their rights are taken seriously.
Trust will also depend on oversight. Independent organisations, Kotecha said, provide the checks and balances needed for trustworthy AI. “They offer impartial scrutiny, build public confidence, and hold both governments and industry accountable.” The ODI’s own Data Institutions Programme offers guidance on how these bodies can be structured and supported.