EU AI Act vs GDPR: How They Work Together

GDPR and the AI Act overlap but solve different problems. GDPR governs personal data processing rights and principles. The AI Act governs AI system risk and operational safeguards.

Where they overlap

• automated decision contexts,
• transparency and explainability expectations,
• accountability documentation,
• governance ownership and review processes.

Where they differ

• GDPR is data-centric; AI Act is system-risk-centric.
• GDPR applies broadly to personal data operations; AI Act applies via AI context and role obligations.

Practical integrated control model for SMEs

Use one governance stack:
1. Unified AI/data inventory
2. Shared control ownership map
3. Linked risk and rights assessment workflow
4. Combined evidence repository for audits

This avoids duplicate processes and reduces compliance fatigue.

Final takeaway

You do not choose between GDPR and AI Act. In many real workflows, you must satisfy both. Integration is the only scalable strategy.