Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming part of our workplaces and daily lives at an unprecedented rate. In particular, public AI – that made available for general use, often free of charge – is becoming predominant. This is when data privacy becomes a risk.
With the growing investment of big tech companies in AI and chatbots, such as OpenAI‘s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing AI, Google’s Bard and Elon Musk’s plan for his own chatbot, generative AI is infiltrating companies.
However, as with any emerging technology, it brings with it both benefits and risks.
Data Privacy: Hidden Risks in the Use of Public AI
One of the most important and frequently discussed risks of public AI is data privacy.
When we share our data with a public AI, there is a risk that this data could be used or potentially misused.
Artificial Intelligence has the ability to collect, analyze and use a significant amount of data, often without the user’s explicit consent.
In practice, employees are turning to generative AI to make their jobs easier, even when this technology is not approved by IT or company managers.
This is because they find these technologies useful and are therefore willing to pay for them, just as they bought cell phones and personal computers even before companies offered these devices.
This leads to a scenario where Artificial Intelligence is being used in ways that are not fully regulated or controlled, leading to potential data privacy issues.
Security Challenges in the Age of AI
Security breaches are another significant risk of using public AI.
Artificial Intelligence is susceptible to data leaks and cyber attacks, just like any other digital technology.
In a world where AI is increasingly present in the workplace, chief information security officers (CISOs) need to approach this technology with caution and prepare the necessary security measures.
The difficult journey of guaranteeing security and protecting data privacy
In other words, companies need to take the lessons learned from traditional information security and apply them to Artificial Intelligence.
For example, companies can license the use of an existing AI platform so that they can monitor what employees say to a chatbot and ensure that the information shared is protected.
This approach comes with additional checks and balances, such as protecting confidential information, regulating where information is stored and guidelines on how employees can use the software.
Navigating the Ethical and Legal Labyrinth of Public Artificial Intelligence
In addition to the security and data privacy risks, there are also ethical concerns
In the constantly evolving universe of public AI, ethical risks and legal implications go hand in hand.
Companies adopting Artificial Intelligence must stay informed and aware of both dimensions to ensure safe and responsible use of the technology.
From an ethical point of view, public AIs such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT are fed with vast data sets that can include personal or sensitive information.
To mitigate these risks, companies should implement clear guidelines on the type of data that can be shared with technology and provide regular training to employees on safe data-sharing practices.
If misused, the data used by public AI can be used for discriminatory purposes or to reinforce existing biases
From a legal point of view, sharing data with public Artificial Intelligence conflicts with data protection regulations such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in significant penalties. Companies must therefore ensure that any interaction with Artificial Intelligence complies with these regulations.
This may include obtaining explicit consent from users for the use of their data and implementing appropriate security measures to protect that data.
Here are some practical actions companies can take for the safe use of public AI:
Software licensing
:
License the use of an existing AI platform, which allows them to monitor what employees say to a chatbot and ensure that the information shared is protected.
This also offers additional protection through the additional checks and balances that are standard procedure when licensing software.
- Development of personalized AI:
Consider creating your own AIs, which would allow you to have control over the data fed into the AI and how that data is used. Despite the high cost, it can be an option.
- Education and training:
Provide regular training to employees on safe data sharing practices and the responsible use of AI is also part of the protection initiatives.
- Auditing and compliance:
Regularly audit the use of AI to ensure that it complies with all relevant data protection laws and regulations.
- Transparency and consent:
Be transparent with users about how their data is used and obtain explicit consent before sharing any data with AI.
Pursue a Culture of Responsible and Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence
Sharing data with public AI can bring many benefits, including greater efficiency and processing capacity. However, there are also significant risks, including concerns about privacy, security and ethics.
Companies and individuals must be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them.
As we have seen throughout the article, companies should, for example, consider creating their own AIs, which would allow them to have control over the data that is fed into Artificial Intelligence and how that data is used.
In addition, it is essential that companies keep up to date with data protection regulations and ensure compliance with them.
Finally, it is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves and others about the risks and benefits of sharing data with public AI. Only through education and awareness can we ensure that we use AI responsibly and ethically.
About Eval
Eval has been developing projects in the financial, health, education, and industry segments for over 18 years. Since 2004, we have offered solutions for Authentication, Electronic and Digital Signature, and Data Protection. Currently, we are present in the main Brazilian banks, health institutions, schools and universities, and different industries.
With recognized value by the market, Eval’s solutions and services meet the highest regulatory standards of public and private organizations, such as SBIS, ITI, PCI DSS, and LGPD (General Law of Data Protection). In practice, we promote information security and compliance, increase companies’ operational efficiency, and reduce costs.
Innovate now, lead always: get to know Eval’s solutions and services and take your company to the next level.
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