In the dynamic realm of data governance and technological progression, the confluence of the General Data Protection Regulation, 2018[1] (‘the GDPR, 2018’) and the newly enacted EU Artificial Intelligence Act, 2024[2] (‘AI Act, 2024’) stands as a significant juncture for examination. While the GDPR, 2018 has solidified its reputation as one of the world's most stringent data privacy and security laws, the AI Act, 2024 represents a groundbreaking step in regulating artificial intelligence. This study delves into the intricate relationship between these regulatory frameworks, probing whether they coalesce harmoniously as a potent force for responsible AI advancement or potentially clash in their objectives. The research critically evaluates how the GDPR, 2018 and the AI Act, 2024 intersect, navigating through their shared objectives of safeguarding individual rights while scrutinizing their distinct emphases and compliance requisites. By adopting a multifaceted approach encompassing legal, ethical, and practical dimensions, this article endeavors to unravel the complexities surrounding data protection, algorithmic governance, and the ethical application of AI. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study aims to illuminate whether the symbiotic relationship between the GDPR, 2018 and the AI Act, 2024 indeed fosters a conducive environment for responsible AI development or introduces challenges that impede innovation. By shedding light on the nuances of this regulatory interplay, the research contributes to a deeper comprehension of the opportunities and obstacles inherent in the convergence of data protection and AI governance in the digital era. This examination holds particular relevance for researchers, policymakers, and businesses engaged in the development and deployment of AI systems, offering insights into navigating the evolving landscape of data privacy and technological regulation in the new millennium.

[1] European Data Protection Supervisor. (2024). The History of the General Data Protection Regulation. Retrieved April 27, 2024, from https://www.edps.europa.eu/data-protection/data-protection/legislation/history-general-data-protection-regulation_en

[2] European Parliament. EU Artificial Intelligence Act, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0138_EN.pdf