As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widespread, so do concerns over data privacy. AI has been a remarkable and disruptive application for businesses worldwide thanks to its ability to carry out rapid analysis of enormous amounts of data. Unfortunately, the technology’s aptitude for data analysis often involves sensitive information that could result in personal information being disseminated where it shouldn’t be.
For this reason, it’s important that organizations employing AI perform privacy impact assessments (PIAs) for AI-related technologies to address privacy risks. Emphasizing the fundamental role of data privacy in responsible AI implementation, a comprehensive framework to address risk must be considered, and include data governance, security safeguards and risk identification and mitigation.
Recent research released by Info-Tech Research Group in the form of a report entitled “Conduct an AI Privacy Risk Assessment” found that AI's reliance on extensive data analysis (often containing personal information) presents a complex ethical and operational challenge amid evolving data privacy laws.
The blueprint highlights the ethics-centric challenge organizations encounter in achieving a balance between innovation and regulation. For IT leaders, uncertainty about the impact and applicability of data protection regulations on their data-processing operations makes the task of aligning with these laws even more challenging. Moreover, ambiguities regarding data location and types within the organization further complicate matters.
The study aims to help IT leaders prepare their AI projects for success with a privacy impact assessment. Integrating comprehensive PIAs offers organizations a structured approach to evaluating potential privacy risks as well as ensuring informed consent and limiting data collection. This recommended approach fosters responsible AI adoption and addresses the evolving privacy concerns surrounding AI technologies.
"Trust is a cornerstone of successful business relationships. Aligning AI technology with a privacy strategy generates trust among customers and stakeholders," says Safayat Moahamad, research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "Today, privacy-conscious consumers actively seek out businesses that prioritize data protection, offering organizations a competitive edge. Building trust through data privacy can strengthen an organization's market position and encourage responsible innovation and collaboration by enabling secure and ethical data sharing with business partners."
