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Minds

May 16, 2026·Faq·Minds Team

# **AI Panels and GDPR: FAQ**

How do AI synthetic panels handle GDPR? Answers on data residency, consent, processing, and why synthetic panels reduce GDPR risk vs real panels.

Quick answers to the questions teams ask most about ai panels gdpr. For deeper walk-throughs, the [Guide](https://getminds.ai/guide/overview) and [Blog](https://getminds.ai/blog) cover individual topics in depth.

## **Frequently asked questions**

### **Is synthetic panel data considered personal data under GDPR?**

No. AI panels generate synthetic responses from AI personas, not from real individuals. There is no personal data processed because no real person is surveyed, tracked, or profiled. This fundamentally reduces GDPR risk compared to traditional research panels.

### **Where is Minds data hosted?**

Minds is built in Berlin and San Francisco. EU data residency is available for enterprise customers. All infrastructure complies with GDPR data localization requirements.

### **Does Minds sign DPAs?**

Yes. Minds provides Data Processing Agreements for all enterprise customers and upon request for Teams and Premium subscribers.

### **Do I need consent to run an AI panel?**

No. Because AI panels use synthetic personas rather than real respondents, there is no consent requirement under GDPR. You are not processing personal data of real individuals.

### **Can I use AI panel results in regulated industries?**

Yes, with appropriate disclosure. AI panel results should be labeled as synthetic research, not as traditional consumer surveys.

### **How does Minds handle data retention?**

Panel sessions, conversation history, and Mind configurations are stored in encrypted infrastructure with configurable retention policies. Enterprise customers can set custom retention periods.

### **Does Minds have a TOM document?**

Yes. Minds publishes a Technical and Organizational Measures document covering encryption, access controls, incident response, and data handling procedures. Available at getminds.ai/legal.

### **What about the AI Act?**

Minds monitors EU AI Act developments and classifies its synthetic research capabilities as limited-risk AI under the current framework. The platform does not make automated decisions about real individuals.