Leadership’s Role in Protecting Personal Data in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence generates significant benefits for organizations, but also increased risks for the protection of personal data. The ability of AI systems to collect, analyses, and correlate large volumes of information raises issues regarding confidentiality, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 is an essential regulatory framework, but effective protection depends directly on the involvement of organizational leadership. The article explores the importance of leadership in the integrating data protection principles into strategies and decision-making processes regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence. Emphasis is placed on the importance of managerial responsibility, organizational culture, and ethical data governance. The paper argues that leadership is a determining factor in transforming legal obligations into real and sustainable protection of personal data in the digital age.