About the Guest
Dr. Aleksandra Aytova is the Group Head of Privacy at Applegreen, a leading European convenience retail and fuel company. With deep expertise in GDPR, AI ethics, and digital privacy, Aleksandra is at the forefront of navigating the intersection of technology regulation and business operations across Europe.
Why the EU AI Act is Humanity's Last Defense Against AI
with Dr. Aleksandra Aytova, Group Head of Privacy at Applegreen
Episode Description
Dr. Aleksandra Aytova, Group Head of Privacy at Applegreen, reveals why the EU AI Act and GDPR are humanity's last defense against AI. She explains how AI systems are secretly discriminating in hiring, why "GDPR compliant" is a myth, and what the new AI regulations actually mean for you.
Plus: The shocking case of an AI car that killed someone it thought was a plastic bag, and why Bulgaria has 85% female CEOs. This conversation will change how you think about AI regulation, privacy, and the future of technology in society.
Key Topics Covered
- •The EU AI Act - What It Really Means: Breaking down the legislation that will reshape how businesses use AI across Europe and globally
- •Why GDPR Compliance is "The Biggest Joke in Privacy": The uncomfortable truth about data protection in practice
- •High-Risk AI Systems: Understanding which AI applications face the strictest regulations and the August 2026 deadline
- •How to Actually Protect Your Data from AI Training: Practical steps individuals and businesses can take right now
- •The Autonomous Vehicle Case That Changed AI Law: When an AI thought a person was a plastic bag—and the fatal consequences
- •Digital Ethics & Tech Education: Why ethics is missing from most technology programs and why it matters
- •What Businesses Must Do NOW: Concrete action steps for AI compliance before it's too late
- •Bulgaria's 85% Female CEO Rate: The surprising cultural context that shapes different attitudes toward technology and leadership
Key Insights
- 💡The EU AI Act is more than just European regulationLike GDPR before it, this legislation will become the de facto global standard for AI governance, affecting businesses worldwide
- 💡"GDPR compliant" doesn't mean what you think it doesMany organizations claim compliance while fundamentally misunderstanding data protection principles
- 💡AI discrimination is happening right nowFrom hiring systems to autonomous vehicles, AI is making biased decisions with real consequences for people's lives
- 💡August 2026 is the deadline that mattersBusinesses operating high-risk AI systems need to prepare now—compliance will take time and resources
- 💡Digital ethics should be as fundamental as codingTechnology education is missing a critical component—understanding the ethical implications of what we build
Who Should Listen
This episode is essential for business leaders deploying AI systems, compliance and legal professionals preparing for the EU AI Act, technology executives making strategic decisions, developers building AI products, and anyone concerned about privacy and data protection in the age of AI. If you're using or building AI in any capacity, this conversation provides critical context for navigating the regulatory landscape ahead.
Action Items for Businesses
- →Assess which of your AI systems fall under "high-risk" classifications in the EU AI Act
- →Review current GDPR compliance measures and identify gaps in data protection practices
- →Implement proper consent mechanisms for AI training data collection
- →Audit AI systems for potential bias and discrimination in decision-making
- →Begin preparations now for the August 2026 compliance deadline
- →Consider ethics training for technical teams building AI products
Links & Resources
- SonnyLabs EU AI Act Solutions - Automate EU AI Act compliance & security for your AI systems
- EU AI Act Compliance Software - Know your risk, fix gaps, stay compliant—all automated
- EU AI Act Academy - Comprehensive training for EU AI Act compliance
- Applegreen - Europe's leading convenience retail and fuel company