Ombudsman visits MDIA and addresses National AI Roundtable for Fundamental Rights Authorities

Ombudsman visits MDIA and addresses National AI Roundtable for Fundamental Rights Authorities

Published September 17, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, visited the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) where he was welcomed by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kenneth Brincat, and members of the Authority’s senior management team.

In his welcome address, Mr Brincat emphasised the MDIA’s mission to lead as Malta’s principal authority for facilitating the secure and responsible use of digital innovation, particularly in areas such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other frontier technologies. He underlined the Authority’s vision of establishing itself as a trusted and forward-looking regulator that cultivates confidence in innovative technologies, both locally and internationally.

The MDIA is Malta’s national authority for the governance and promotion of digital innovation. It plays a central role in ensuring that emerging technologies are adopted securely, responsibly, and in line with ethical standards. Its work supports the implementation of Malta’s National AI Strategy, first launched in 2019 under the title Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030, which positions Malta as a testbed for AI-driven innovation. Presentations were delivered by Mr Gavril Flores, Chief Strategy, Policy and Governance Officer, and Dr Jean Marie Mifsud, Chief Innovative Technology Officer, who outlined the Authority’s work on AI policy, as well as national initiatives such as the Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure Policy to enhance cyber resilience.

During the visit, the Ombudsman said that the purpose of engaging with authorities such as the MDIA is not only to better understand their work but also to explain the role of the Ombudsman as a promoter of good governance. He noted that while digital innovation offers great opportunities, the rapid growth of AI raises concerns regarding its potential impact on human rights. He stressed that decisions made by AI systems must not undermine fundamental freedoms, especially for vulnerable individuals. “AI is no exception to the rule of law,” he remarked, underlining that it must never be used for discriminatory practices nor take on roles that negatively affect people’s lives.

Following the meeting, Judge Zammit McKeon addressed the National AI Roundtable for Fundamental Rights Authorities and Bodies, of which the Office of the Ombudsman is a participating member. Coordinated by the MDIA, the Roundtable provides a structured platform for dialogue between fundamental rights authorities to discuss the human rights implications of artificial intelligence. In his intervention, the Ombudsman referred to European Court of Human Rights case law to illustrate how AI could affect rights in practice and stressed the need for strong legal safeguards to ensure that efficiency is not pursued at the expense of rights and freedoms.

The Ombudsman also toured the MDIA’s facilities, including the DiHubMT – Malta’s European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH). The Hub provides a comprehensive range of services to SMEs, mid-sized businesses, and public sector organisations to support digital transformation on an open and transparent basis.

The Ombudsman was accompanied by Dr Brian Said, Head of Investigations, Dr Danielle Mallia, Senior Investigating Officer and the Office’s representative on the National AI Roundtable, and Mr Jurgen Cassar, Head of Communications and Research.