OpenAI's GDPR investigations and the growing importance of Data Privacy in the AI era.

Recently, Poland's Personal Data Protection Office has taken a significant step towards asserting the importance of data privacy in the age of artificial intelligence. This move was prompted by a complaint against OpenAI, the company responsible for the popular AI language model, ChatGPT, alleging violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

Related topic: Tipps: Wie man ChatGPT sicher benutzt

However, ChatGPT's involvement in this case is a testament to the growing scrutiny that AI models are facing worldwide. Earlier this year, Google Bard also faced significant challenges in gaining access to European markets despite its global availability in 230 countries and territories due to data privacy concerns and potential GDPR breaches. The shared compliance struggles of both ChatGPT and Google Bard highlight the rigorous demands and pressures that AI services encounter when entering the notably strict EU market.

Several trending AI image generation tools, like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and DALL·E 2, have the remarkable ability to produce amazing images in a variety of styles, but their ability to do this is not magic as AI platforms are trained on vast amounts of data, comprising billions of parameters generated through the extensive processing of massive archives of images and text. 

Related topic: Ist Google Bard DSGVO-konform?

In light of the growing popularity, AI is becoming an integral part of the modern workplace.  It's also important to note that search engines and AI bots already scour vast amounts of company information online, including information that companies may not have intended to share publicly. This capability has raised data privacy concerns among business owners and employees, demanding a proactive approach to protect sensitive information in the AI era. To ensure your organization is prepared for the safe integration of AI and to protect against security risks, consider the following steps:

Phishing & Social Engineering Attacks

AI can be used to generate highly personalized phishing emails and other social engineering attacks. For example, attackers could use AI to generate emails that appear to be from a legitimate company, such as a bank or employer, making it essential to remain vigilant against deceptive communication. 

Information Leaks

Employees may unintentionally input sensitive data into AI systems, potentially resulting in the unintentional release of confidential information.

Infection with Malware

Cybercriminals may distribute fake AI apps that, when installed, can steal sensitive data or infect individual devices with malware that could give the attacker control over the device.

Related topic: Die häufigsten Datenschutzverstöße in Unternehmen

Treat AI Like Public Cloud Systems

Approach freely available AI systems with a degree of caution, treating them in a manner similar to public cloud platforms or social media. It's important to recognize that the input you provide to these AI systems may potentially be shared with others.

Establish AI Guidelines

Set clear and well-defined guidelines for the utilization of AI systems within your organization. Make sure that all employees are well-informed about what is considered acceptable and unacceptable when engaging with AI technology.

Data Privacy Training and Education

Introduce comprehensive data protection training and e-learning modules across your company to educate your workforce on the secure and responsible use of AI. This education should encompass an understanding of potential risks and best practices for ensuring security.

Related topic: heyData employee compliance training 

Safeguard Confidential Information

Exercise caution when it comes to sharing confidential information with AI systems. Avoid providing them with sensitive data that could compromise your organization's security or privacy.

Protect Personal Data

Refrain from sharing any personal information, including names, health records, or images, as illustrative examples. This will help maintain the privacy and security of individuals within your organization.

Exercise Caution with Technical Data

Avoid sharing sensitive technical information like process flows, network diagrams, or code snippets, as there's a risk that other users might access this data.

External Data Protection OfficeAppoint an External DPO to help your business monitor the data processing activities of third-party tools and ensure compliance with GDPR, preventing accidental breaches due to human error.

Also, Book your initial consultation now.

Regulatory bodies and data protection agencies are intensifying their standards of AI systems to ensure compliance with GDPR regulations. In France, CNIL introduced an AI “action plan” aimed at understanding AI systems' functions and impacts, guiding the development of privacy-friendly AI, and auditing and controlling AI systems. The UK Competition and Markets Authority is conducting a broader review, examining competition and consumer protection concerns related to the development and use of AI foundation models.

In North America, Canada launched an investigation into OpenAI in response to a recent complaint alleging unauthorized collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. The United States, as expected, is still lagging behind in this regard but has taken a significant step by launching a comprehensive investigation into OpenAI following a complaint by the Center for AI and Digital Policy.

The scale of these investigations poses a significant challenge for OpenAI, as data protection authorities around the world are closely monitoring the company. Going beyond the confines of GDPR, the newly introduced EU AI Act, designed to oversee the use of AI and safeguard the public from potential harm, provides additional layers of privacy protection. The swift evolution of AI technology is now met with an equally rapid regulatory response. As a result, businesses can expect more investigations and potentially substantial fines in the future, particularly within the extensive regulatory framework of the EU.

As AI continues to reshape the business landscape, it's crucial to balance its benefits with data security measures. By adopting a proactive stance, creating clear guidelines, and educating employees on secure AI use, companies can harness the power of AI while mitigating the risks associated with its adoption.

To enhance your efforts in training employees to use artificial intelligence securely, explore heyData’s specialized data security awareness training course. Empower your workforce with the right knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of GDPR in an AI-driven future.

Check this out: Created by compliance experts, Compliance trainings for employees