Poland: Announced Ministry of Digital Affairs order on designation of authorities for the enforcement of fundamental rights protections in the EU Artificial Intelligence Act

On 31 October 2024, the Ministry of Digital Affairs designated three public bodies to oversee and enforce protections of fundamental rights related to high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems, as defined under Article 6 of the EU AI Act. Article 77(1) of the AI Act grants certain public authorities in EU Member States the responsibility to protect fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to AI systems. These authorities are permitted to access documentation on the use of high-risk AI systems to ensure compliance with these protections. The Ministry of Digital Affairs has confirmed that three bodies have the authority to protect fundamental rights in this context. These are the Children's Rights Ombudsman, the Patients' Rights Ombudsman, and the National Labor Inspectorate. The authorities will not serve as competent authorities under the Act. Specifically, they will gain additional powers to support their existing mandates in cases involving AI systems.