Generative AI: is the hype justified?

No. 58: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security

Generative AI has shown remarkable capabilities in various applications, such as content creation, and image and text generation. This content is often indistinguishable from that created by humans, posing challenges in determining its authenticity and reliability

It also raises legitimate concerns around privacy, accountability, and potential misuse. These models require a vast amount of personal data to be trained on, which can have serious implications for data privacy and trust. 

There is a need for robust privacy measures and responsible practices in the development and deployment of generative AI technologies. This has spurred action from national legislatures and data protection watchdogs. 

Italy's data protection authority has recently banned the use of Chat GPT - after concerns around the potential for the chatbot to generate content that could violate users' privacy rights. The watchdog argues there was no legal basis to justify "the mass collection and storage of personal data for the purpose of 'training' the algorithms underlying the operation of the platform".

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has also issued a warning to generative AI firms about their responsibilities under GDPR. They highlight the need for transparency, including informing users about the nature of the technology and obtaining appropriate consent for data collection and usage. Similarly, the UK government has proposed a whitepaper on a new roadmap to AI legislation which will also encompass generative AI systems.  

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

Seena, Editor


News

US store Macy's argues Illinois Biometric Privacy Law is unconstitutional 

The US store, Macy's, plans to argue that an Illinois biometric privacy law, which awards damages up to $5,000 per violation, is unconstitutional due to the "grossly excessive damages" it imposes. The store is being sued under Illinois’ BIPA over its alleged purchase of a facial-recognition database from Clearview AI, which it used to combat shoplifting.

Digital News Daily: Illinois Biometric Privacy Law Is Unconstitutional, Macy's Says

Global Data Review: BIPA is unconstitutional, Macy’s argues

 

Tesla employees share personal videos without consent

A report has found that between 2019 and 2022, Tesla employees shared personal videos and images from customer vehicle cameras through an internal messaging system without consent - sometimes making memes from the content. The videos ranged from crashes and road rage incidents to more sensitive content; some of which showed the location of the recordings.

The Verge: Tesla employees reportedly passed around personal videos from owners’ cars

Reuters: Special Report: Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer cars

 

Iranian authorities install surveillance cameras to monitor unveiled women in public 

Iranian authorities are installing cameras in public places to identify women who do not wear veils, according to a police statement. The move is aimed at preventing "resistance against the hijab law" following protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab rule. 

BBC: Iran installs cameras to find women not wearing hijab

Republic World: Authorities In Iran Install Surveillance Cameras To Identify And Penalize Unveiled Woman

 

Italy's data protection authority calls for a ban of ChatGPT

Italy’s privacy watchdog has called for a ban on the AI chatbot, ChatGPT, accusing the creators of collecting data unlawfully. The body has disabled the app for Italian users and has ordered the organisation to stop collecting Italians’ data immediately until it amends its data collection practices to comply with GDPR.

BBC: ChatGPT banned in Italy over privacy concerns

The Verge: Italian regulators order ChatGPT ban over alleged violation of data privacy laws

 

Yorkshire to trial new AI van to catch dangerous drivers

AI may be used by police in Yorkshire to crack down on drivers using their phones or in cars without a seatbelt. Safer Roads Humber is working with National Highways and other bodies to trial a new enforcement vehicle developed to detect dangerous motorists and fine them accordingly. 

Yorkshire Post: Police in Yorkshire to deploy new van using AI to see if people are breaking the law

BBC: Safer Roads Humber to meet with AI camera van provider


AI Snippet of the Week

UK government publishes whitepaper on AI governance

The new whitepaper on AI governance from the UK government aims to establish a framework for the balance between innovation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies. The central principles in their strategy include, among others, safety, fairness, accountability, contestability and redress.

Gov.uk: A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation

Computer Weekly: UK government publishes AI whitepaper


Policy Updates

Washington Senate passes new bill to protect health data

The Washington Senate has passed a bill which regulates the collection, sharing and selling of consumer health data. The bill expands protections under the federal Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and would apply to non-healthcare entities, such as web and mobile publishers and operators.

IAPP: Washington Senate passes health data bill

The Drum: Washington’s health data bill explained: ‘strongest protections outside of HIPAA’


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