Artificial Intelligence: Privacy Concerns
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in our society has increased concerns about privacy rights. Many individuals are questioning how these technologies monitor and use their data. AI's ability to collect, analyze, and utilize data has changed daily life for many people. For AI to function correctly, not only does it require high-functioning algorithms and processing power, it needs a large quantity of personal data. These technologies gather and use sensitive information in ways that can breach personal privacy, sometimes without individuals' knowledge or consent. Due to this, many lawmakers and legal experts are wrestling with regulating AI in a way that protects individual rights. It is imperative that while we utilize these new resources, we navigate them in a way that makes sure people's information is being protected.
In "Privacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" by Fereniki Panagopoulou, the author discusses how the rapid development of AI poses significant challenges to privacy protection. As mentioned, artificial intelligence demands vast amounts of personal data to perform its tasks. According to the research presented by Panagopoulou, this reliance on data presents a paradox because data enhances the accuracy of AI systems, but at the same time, it increases the risk of breaches. It has been observed that "malicious actors can manipulate artificial intelligence systems to serve their own goals of targeted information, misinformation, manipulation, surveillance, harassment, deception, and so on." Managing and securing data in such large quantities is highly difficult and can increase the exposure to security attacks.
Moreover, Panagopoulou argues that while laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the recent law implemented by the European Union (EU) regarding privacy and security of personal data may need to be revised to address the unique challenges presented by AI. The author suggests ways to combat these issues, including establishing an authority to oversee data protection and other areas like information, research, intellectual property, etc.
"Right of Privacy and the Growing Scope of Artificial Intelligence," written by Syed Raza Shah Gilani, Ali Mohammed Al-Matrooshi, and Muhammad Haroon Khan, continues this conversation by exploring the increasing impact of AI technologies. In their research, the authors mention that AI-driven methods such as "facial recognition, biometric identification, and predictive analytics" have induced fears about the violation of privacy. The right to privacy allows people to manage their information, protect their reputation, and avoid unwanted attention. Thus, privacy is essential for maintaining trust between individuals and institutions. Privacy also serves as a defense against potential abuses of power presented by these new technologies. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, "it becomes crucial to establish a harmonious equilibrium between leveraging the advantages of AI-driven advancements and protecting the fundamental rights to privacy of individuals." AI systems that engage in mass surveillance and unauthorized data collection violate international human rights laws. For instance, the document refers to Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which states that "no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home, or correspondence." Many of these artificial intelligence practices undermine the protections established by international law.
Daniel J. Solove emphasizes the points presented by Gilani, Al-Matrooshi, and Khan by going into more depth about AI technologies and privacy concerns in his article "Artificial Intelligence and Privacy." He highlights that AI's ability to collect this much data and generate inferences without direct consent heightens existing confidentiality challenges. He mentions that "problems with inputs involve problems with data collection, which include scraping (the non-consensual gathering of data online) as well as more consensual forms of data collection." The ability to infer information is vital because AI uses patterns and predictions about individuals to predict data about the person they haven't shared. Solove argues that while AI amplifies traditional privacy problems, current laws cannot address these challenges.
It is integral that these concerns are managed as technology advances and continues to shape our society. Implementing organizations and laws that ensure the safety of a person's rights helps maintain public trust in technology. Without adequate regulations, the trust diminishes, further showcasing the need for a collaborative approach among lawmakers. Maintaining a balance between fundamental rights and technological innovation will help foster a society where privacy is respected.
References
Panagopoulou, Fereniki. (2024). Privacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research.
Gilani, Syed & Al-Matrooshi, Ali & Khan, Muhammad. (2023). Right of Privacy and the Growing Scope of Artificial Intelligence. Current Trends in Law and Society. 3. 1-11.
Solove, Daniel J., Artificial Intelligence and Privacy (February 1, 2024). 77 Florida Law Review
(forthcoming Jan 2025), GWU Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2024-36, GWU Law School Public Law Research Paper No. 2024-36, Available at SSRN DOI 4713111
