Artificial Intelligence Use Sparks Debate in the Canary Islands Parliament
The Commissioner for Transparency and Access to Public Information in the Canary Islands closed today the conference “Artificial Intelligence and New Challenges in Transparency and Data Protection,” held at the Parliament of the Canary Islands.
The event gathered almost a hundred attendees in person and attracted a strong online presence, with more than 400 people registered, establishing itself as a crucial forum for debating the impact of AI on fundamental rights.
Opening Remarks
The session was opened by María Noelia García Leal, Transparency Commissioner, who thanked participants for the high turnout and the quality of the presentations. She concluded that the conference marked “a step forward” in the Canary public administration’s roadmap for addressing artificial intelligence from the perspectives of ethics, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights.
“We must adapt the legal framework so that AI becomes a tool that serves democracy rather than an obstacle to oversight,” she emphasized.
Contributions from the Transparency Office
- Teresa Casanova, Head of the Complaints Service, analyzed recent court rulings and legal opinions, stressing the Commissioner’s role as guarantor of this right.
- Miguel Ángel Herrero, Head of the Transparency Evaluation and Control Service, presented the work plan for the “present and future” of transparency assessment in the Canary Islands, aimed at measuring the real impact of public policies.
Municipal Debate
The conference concluded with a discussion involving members of the Canary Islands Federation of Municipalities (FECAM). Municipal representatives examined the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for local administration, the level of government closest to citizens.
Key points from the debate included:
- The need to invest in training and resources so municipalities can implement AI tools transparently and securely.
- Expanding staff and fostering teamwork to manage AI-driven processes effectively.
The dialogue highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring that artificial intelligence enhances public services while safeguarding democratic values and citizens’ rights.