Artificial intelligence could help anti-doping authorities identify doping patterns, analyse data and improve testing strategies, but the technology also presents risks because athletes seeking information online may expose sensitive personal data, officials warned at an international summit in Santorini.
The 3rd Anti-Doping Summit of Central and Eastern European Countries brought together World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) officials and representatives from 26 countries to discuss how emerging technologies could support efforts to protect clean sport.
The discussions examined how AI systems could process large volumes of information, identify suspicious trends and assist investigations. Participants also warned that individuals seeking to evade doping controls could use similar technology to improve their methods.
“Artificial intelligence is, of course, a new tool that all of us are now learning to use, in every area of life and in every part of the world,” Sébastien Gillot, director of WADA’s European Office, told Euronews.
He said AI could help authorities understand trends, identify patterns used by offenders and analyse information to improve testing. However, he cautioned that tools useful to investigators could also benefit those who cheat, making it essential for anti-doping organisations to understand how the technology works.
Dora Hegyi, a former Hungarian gymnastics champion and vice-chair of WADA’s Athletes’ Council, said the summit examined how AI could improve information available to athletes and help national anti-doping organisations operate more effectively.
Participants also discussed legal responsibilities, current uses of AI and athletes’ views on the technology.
Privacy and legal safeguards
Lawyer Penny Konitsioti, vice-chair of the Disciplinary Committee of Greece’s National Anti-Doping Organisation, highlighted the potential consequences when athletes search online for health information or material related to doping.
She said platforms should clearly inform users that information they search for could later be used in legal proceedings, rather than concealing the possibility in lengthy terms and conditions.
Konitsioti said AI could assist authorities with evidence collection and support sports judges, but it should not replace established legal procedures or human judgement.
The issue is particularly significant because anti-doping investigations can involve sensitive health information. Participants stressed that technological advances must be accompanied by safeguards covering personal data, transparency and information security.
Hegyi said trust would be essential for successful adoption of the technology, arguing that AI systems should be developed with athletes rather than simply for them.
Maintaining trust in clean sport
The summit also discussed changes to rules governing therapeutic use exemptions and results management procedures.
Delegates emphasised the importance of consistent and reliable anti-doping processes that comply with international regulations while respecting athletes’ rights.
The discussions highlighted a central challenge for anti-doping authorities: using AI to strengthen investigations without compromising privacy, fairness or confidence in the testing system.
Participants said human oversight and clear rules for handling sensitive information would remain essential as digital tools become more widely used in the fight against doping.
