Maria Catarina Batista is a European data protection and AI governance specialist. Her doctoral research on synthetic and derivative data - an emerging frontier of AI governance - combines academic depth with practical insight.She advises multinationals on GDPR, the AI Act, and cross-border compliance, and now works at the European Data Protection Office (EDPO) on digital regulation.
Professional Expertise
01
Synthetic & Derivative Data
Exploring how these new data categories fit within GDPR and other regulations, and how organisations can use them responsibly in AI development, testing, and policymaking.
02
European & Global Digital Regulation
Experience across GDPR, UK GDPR, the AI Act, and the DSA - designing governance processes that scale and adapt to changing requirements.
03
Education & Mentorship
Co-Chair of the IAPP Lisbon Chapter, she helps shape professional understanding of AI and data protection through thought leadership and community engagement.
