Are AI and data privacy running against each other in the technological race?

No. 65: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security

In a world where technological advancements and data privacy concerns collide, striking the delicate balance between AI progress and protecting individual rights has become a pressing challenge. 

But does it have to be? Is there a way for AI advancements to continue to make strides, without compromising on privacy? 

UK intelligence agencies are advocating for relaxed regulations on using bulk personal datasets (BPDs) to train AI models. The agencies argue that advanced AI capabilities are essential in addressing the growing complexity of threats. However, privacy experts and human rights organisations voice their opposition, stressing the need to maintain robust safeguards to protect innocent individuals' data and fundamental rights.

Meanwhile, Kenya has ordered a halt on OpenAI's eyeball-scanning cryptocurrency project, Worldcoin, ordering it to stop collecting data in the country. The project requires user iris scans in exchange for a digital ID and offers free crypto tokens to those who agree as part of a new "identity and financial network". Regulators in the UK, Germany, and France have also raised flags about privacy concerns and will evaluate whether it is in violation of data privacy laws.

Striking the right balance involves transparent and responsible deployment of technologies that respect individual freedoms. Only through thoughtful and inclusive dialogues can we safeguard the delicate balance between AI advancements and data privacy, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for all.

As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.

Seena, Editor


News

California reviews data collection practices for connected vehicles

The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) is investigating the privacy practices of automakers and vehicle technology companies in response to the increasing amount of data being collected by cars. 

Reuters: California agency probes automakers' data privacy practices

IAPP: CPPA to examine connected vehicle manufacturers' privacy practices

 

Biometric age verification for alcohol is underway in several US states

Biometric systems that use facial or palm images to determine a person's age are gaining popularity in US sports stadiums and liquor shops. Legislative proposals in New York and Washington aim to allow businesses to verify customer ages using biometric data, and real-world implementations are already underway in other states. 

IAPP: US states consider biometric age verification for alcohol sales

AXIOS: Buying booze? Your face — or palm — could verify your age

 

UK intelligence agencies seek relaxed surveillance laws for AI training  

UK intelligence agencies are pushing for a relaxation of surveillance laws to allow easier use of personal data for training AI models. The proposed changes would reduce privacy safeguards introduced in the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act and ease rules for using bulk personal datasets, including publicly available data with low or no expectation of privacy. 

Computer World: UK intelligence agencies seek to weaken data protection safeguards

The Guardian: UK spy agencies want to relax ‘burdensome’ laws on AI data use

 

NHS Lanarkshire suffers WhatsApp data leak 

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) reprimanded NHS Lanarkshire after 26 staff members shared patients' sensitive personal data on WhatsApp more than 500 times. The data leak included patient names, phone numbers, addresses, images, videos, and clinical information.

Sky News: 'No excuse': NHS health board reprimanded after patient data shared on WhatsApp over 500 times

Digital Health: ICO reprimands NHS Lanarkshire for sharing patient data via WhatsApp

 

Worldcoin faces setbacks over privacy concerns 

Kenya has ordered a suspension of data collection for Worldcoin, a project that uses iris scans to create unique digital identities linked to cryptocurrencies, due to concerns about privacy and security risks. The Kenyan government is reviewing the project alongside regulators in France, Germany, and the UK.

The Verge: Kenya suspends Sam Altman’s eyeball-scanning crypto project

Reuters: UK data watchdog to make enquiries about Worldcoin crypto project


AI Snippet of the Week

YouTube influencer uses AI to help combat burnout

A popular gaming creator on YouTube developed an AI influencer platform to automate video creation and help combat burnout. The AI tools are trained on his likeness and creativity to produce content similar to his style.

WIRED: One of Gaming’s Biggest YouTubers Wants to Replace Himself With AI


Policy Updates

India puts the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill back in the table

India's IT minister has resubmitted an updated version of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill to the Indian parliament, aiming to provide substantial decision-making powers to the government in managing personal data.

Tech Crunch: India resurrects data privacy bill following abrupt pullback last year

IAPP: India to introduce Digital Personal Data Protection Bill in Parliament


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