Data Regulator Sends Warning: AI Developers Must Get Privacy Right or Face the Music

The UK's data regulator made it clear that developers utilising AI technology cannot afford to ignore data protection laws. 

Stephen Almond of the Information Commissioner's Office emphasised that the consequences for mishandling personal data are significant, especially in light of the increasing popularity of Large Language Models like OpenAI's ChatGPT. 

The executive director of regulatory risk cautioned that these models could put sensitive information at risk if proper precautions are not taken.

Writing in a blog post, Mr. Almond has raised concerns about the use of personal data in the development of generative AI. He highlights the need for organisations to be aware of their data protection obligations and to adopt a proactive approach towards data protection. 

To ensure compliance with the law, he suggests developing ethical AI by asking several questions. These questions include the lawful basis for processing personal data, being transparent, mitigating security risks, limiting unnecessary processing of data, and complying with individual rights requests. AI developers must take these considerations into account, to avoid any legal and ethical issues concerning the use of personal data.

While the technology might be new, the principles of data protection law are the same.

- CyberBeat