Every innovation brings with it a multitude of questions and issues that generate debate and demand a solution.
Currently, one of the most talked about innovation is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has raised numerous doubts and questions, especially in ethical and regulatory matters. In this article we will address the issue of data protection in the era of AI.
The European Union (EU) has been a pioneer in regulating AI and as such has also led the way in regulating data protection in this context. Among the EU’s objectives is to inform the population about how and when to use AI to ensure that its development follows the right path from the beginning. The EU places trust in this new technology, as demonstrated by its investment in projects such as iToBoS. To avoid a social backlash, the EU considers it crucial to uphold data protection rights, which is one of the key requirements for moving forward with such projects. The idea is that data protection laws and AI are used as complementary and binding instruments and regulated within the framework of the AI Act to ensure that citizens’ fundamental rights are not violated.
Another challenge is to better inform people when their consent is requested and to explain how their data will be used before it is shared, so that citizens are more aware of how their data is managed. In addition, more thorough user education is being promoted so that they have sufficient information about their data and how to protect it. In the healthcare sector, special protection of sensitive data is proposed, since misuse could negatively and permanently affect many people, ensuring compliance with security measures.
These measures are essential to gaining public trust in technological advances, as citizens will be the beneficiaries and consumers. Therefore, according to the EU, the explanation and tools of this new technology must be transparent and simple. Transparency is key to fostering trust: the more people understand something, the more familiar they are with it and the more they trust it.
To learn more:
https://www.edps.europa.eu/data-protection/data-protection/legislation_en?etrans=es
https://www.edpb.europa.eu/system/files/2024-07/edpb_statement_202403_dpasroleaiact_en.pdf