Ombudsman concludes Round Table Conference on the Impact of AI in the Labour Market

Ombudsman concludes Round Table Conference on the Impact of AI in the Labour Market

Published May 22, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, delivered the concluding remarks at the round table conference “The Ripple Effect of AI in the Labour Market” held in Valletta. The event was organised by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the General Workers Union, and the Malta Business Bureau as part of the EU-funded TransFormWork II project, which aims to promote a just transition toward the work of the future through better and more effective regulation of artificial intelligence.

In his address, the Ombudsman stated that artificial intelligence, like all aspects of modern governance and technology, is not exempt from the rule of law. He underlined that AI must respect international and domestic human rights standards, particularly with regard to the protection of the vulnerable.

Judge Zammit McKeon stressed that AI cannot be permitted to enable discriminatory practices or to take decisions that negatively impact people’s lives. Any use of AI that falls short of the standards of human dignity, fairness, and legality must be categorically rejected.

He referred to key legal frameworks that underpin this principle, notably Article 8(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights and Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. In this context, he cited a landmark decision by the District Court of The Hague (5 February 2020), which found the Dutch government’s SyRI system—a risk model developed to combat social security fraud—to be in violation of the right to privacy under Article 8 of the ECHR. The case illustrated how opaque and unchecked AI systems can encroach upon individual rights when not subjected to transparency and due process safeguards.

The Ombudsman highlighted Malta’s role within the broader European context, referring to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, adopted on 17 May 2024. This is the world’s first legally binding treaty aimed at ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in a way that upholds core democratic values and human rights. He underscored the importance of accountability, non-discrimination, transparency, and democratic oversight in the governance of AI systems, stressing that independent mechanisms must be in place to ensure compliance and redress where harm occurs.

Turning to the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which began to come into force in 2024, the Ombudsman explained how this comprehensive regulation categorises AI systems by levels of risk and sets specific obligations for each. High-risk systems, such as those used in education, employment, and law enforcement, will be subject to rigorous scrutiny and oversight. He also referred to the key role of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) and the Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC) in ensuring local compliance, particularly in sectors where AI intersects with fundamental rights.

Judge Zammit McKeon concluded by reiterating the need for a rights-based, human-centric approach to AI. He warned that Malta’s institutions must remain vigilant, proactive, and inclusive in implementing regulatory frameworks and urged for continued public discussion on the ethical implications of AI. He drew attention to his previous contributions on the subject, including a presentation delivered in Cyprus and an article published in the Times of Malta in March 2025 titled Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights.

The round table conference brought together a range of stakeholders and experts. Opening the event, Malta Chamber Deputy President Mark Bajada stressed the need for an ethical approach to AI to improve public service delivery. Malta Business Bureau CEO Mario Xuereb emphasised that AI is now central to modern life and work and no longer optional. Riccarda Darmanin from the General Workers Union highlighted the divide between businesses already applying AI and those still unsure how to integrate it, calling for inclusive solutions. MDIA’s Neil Micallef presented Malta’s readiness to implement the EU AI Act, while University Professor Alexiei Dingli discussed embedding AI in the national economy. The economic impact of AI on Malta’s labour market was addressed by IMF officials Kotaro Ishi and Thomas Gade, and University Lecturer Dr Dylan Seychell gave practical examples of AI in journalism, tourism, and public services.

The session was moderated by Rachel Bondi Attard, Head of Communications and Strategy at the Malta Chamber.