Shaping the Future of AI and Law: How Harvard Helped Ginka Lead the Way

Published February 18, 2025

Course mentioned in this post: Data Privacy and Technology

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In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and digital privacy concerns dominate global conversations, legal experts like Ginka Hristova are leading the charge in shaping the future. 

As a lawyer with over 15 years of experience in Bulgaria, Ginka has dedicated her career to understanding and regulating digital law. Her journey with Harvard played a crucial role in expanding her expertise and global impact, helping her bring critical knowledge to professionals in Europe and beyond.
 

Harvard Courses as a Catalyst for Expertise

Ginka’s first encounter with online courses at Harvard came during a pivotal moment in her career. “My first experience with Harvard’s online courses was through the course Internet and Society. At the time, I had just had my first baby and found myself with some extra time. I wanted to explore this domain further, and the course provided a great entry point.”

This course ignited her passion for digital law and led her to explore additional Harvard courses, including CopyrightX and Data Privacy and Technology. She recalls, “We developed a strong connection with Professor [William] Fisher [of Harvard Law School and CopyrightX] and the course introduced me to an amazing community. We even had the opportunity to visit Harvard’s Cambridge, Massachusetts campus twice, which was a fantastic experience. Later, we brought the course to Bulgaria and taught it for nearly five years.”

These courses provided her with invaluable insights into data privacy laws and their implications in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

“Among the courses I’ve taken, Data Privacy and Technology stood out as one of the best in terms of organization. I appreciated the flexibility to complete assignments on my own schedule while still having deadlines to keep me on track.”
 

Navigating the Challenges of AI and Data Privacy

With her expanded knowledge, Ginka pursued a PhD in Data Privacy and AI—becoming one of the first professionals in the field. 

“When I began my PhD, AI and privacy were not major discussion topics. However, by the time I finished, these issues had become central to global conversations, making my research even more relevant.”

The EU's regulatory environment is rapidly evolving, particularly with the AI Act. Ginka is at the forefront of this movement. “The AI Act is mostly dividing the different technologies using artificial intelligence regarding their risk. There are some very high-risk usages of those technologies which are forbidden except in certain cases like preventing crime.”

However, she cautions against overregulation. “I personally believe… that we should find a balance between regulating and overregulating, because, of course, we have to protect the rights of the individual. But at the same time, we should take care not to overregulate the market, because in this way, no new inventions and technology are going to come around.”
 

Expanding Knowledge Beyond Borders

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Ginka’s commitment to education extends beyond her personal learning. She co-founded the International Legal Advice Center (ILAC) to help professionals and policymakers better understand digital regulations. “We created this organization so we can share more information with the public—we want people to know what is happening within digital law and that the digital world has rules even though it seems like a free exchange of ideas and information.”

Her work spans both the public and private sectors, where she advises businesses on data privacy compliance and contributes to government initiatives. “I have been, and still am, a part of working groups in the Ministry of E-Governance here in Bulgaria regarding the AI Act and also in the European Commission, where I contribute to the elaboration of the first ethical code of AI.”
 

Ginka’s Advice for Future Leaders

As AI and data privacy continue to evolve, Ginka stresses the importance of education and awareness. “Today, online learning can be as useful and helpful—even if not more—for professionals as in-person learning. Professors nowadays are much more comfortable teaching online, and I really don't think that there is any difference in quality for students.”

She also offers a cautionary note about digital privacy: 

“Nothing is truly free. If something is offered at no cost, we should be cautious—our privacy and personal data hold far more value than we often realize, especially in the age of emerging technologies.”

From Harvard Online learner to an influential voice in global data privacy and AI regulation, Ginka’s journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning in shaping industry leaders. Her work in Bulgaria and across Europe is bridging the gap between regulation and innovation, ensuring that the digital world remains both secure and forward-thinking.

For professionals looking to expand their expertise, Ginka’s story serves as an inspiration—proving that online learning is not just an option, but a critical tool for career growth and global impact. 
 

Join Harvard Online learners like Ginka as they become leaders of digital transformation in their organizations and fields by starting a Harvard on Digital course today.