2 Feb

GDPR: How it can coexist harmoniously with AI

AI is here to stay, establishing its foundations in technology development and new media. Naturally, therefore, a lengthy discussion regarding AI and GDPR and their relationship is only possible to be done.

Many people have concerns about the General Data Protection Regulation's (GDPR) incompatibility with AI, while others argue that the two can be molded into a harmonious whole.

Since we have only glimpsed a handful of AI's potential applications and have been enchanted by them, many believe it will have immediate repercussions similar to those of the internet, given the extent of AI's promotion. Therefore, the GDPR should implement the necessary measures to rein in this new technology.

For many, the GDPR should restrict AI and its results, while for others, it should allow AI to operate freely while protecting the rights of some citizens like it already does.

But what is the present condition of AI, GDPR, and devToM?

What is AI?

"Artificial intelligence" (AI) refers to machines that demonstrate cognitive abilities similar to humans, such as perception, analysis, and inference. This is done in many contexts, such as when performing speech recognition, computer vision, or translating between (natural) languages. 

AI's most significant benefit is that it makes finding information online more accessible and precise. Due to the proliferation of the internet, information and data are now pervasive. 

As a result, companies have vast amounts of unstructured data in documents, images, and videos that may contain valuable information about a product under development or an existing product.

In addition, at each value chain link, most businesses have knowledgeable personnel with expertise in AI, or they may outsource this function. 

What is GDPR?

The EU GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has been the most significant change to data protection legislation in the past two decades. It has been applicable in all Member States without requiring state legislation since 2018. 

The implementation's objectives are eliminating legal ambiguities and the insecurity created by the previous legal framework. Also, strengthening fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons and uniformity of the legal framework in all member states. The law applies to businesses within the EU, those based in the EU and processing outside the EU, and those established outside the EU and processing outside the EU. 

The GDPR consists of several articles, some overlapping with AI, while some opponents advocate tightening the law. 

Which statutes of GDPR affect AI? 

Unlike other laws and provisions that may be older, the GDPR touches the present by containing conditions referring to the internet. However, it does not include 'artificial intelligence' or related terms. 

This is likely because artificial intelligence was less developed when the law was drafted, and the legislators could not foresee the future repercussions and stormy developments it would bring. Nonetheless, a number of its rules have implications for AI. Some of these statutes are:

1. Article 4(1): personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person ('data subject'); an identifiable natural person can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person;
2. Article 4(4): 'profiling' means any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular, to analyze or predict aspects concerning that natural person's performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location or movements;
3. Article 5(1): b. collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes; further processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes shall, in accordance with Article 89(1), not be considered to be incompatible with the initial purposes (' purpose limitation');

Indeed, AI is still subject to a variety of laws and regulations.

The GDPR may not wholly cover AI, but the European Union's recently adopted Communication on AI that recognizes the potential impact of the GDPR. Furthermore, other EU legislative proposals are based on AI development, prioritizing citizens' safety and dependability.

The AI community should prepare for the enactment of other EU laws that regulate specific issues central to the use and development of AI. After all, we should remember that AI is a relatively new technology. This means that it is likely that the legislation will be stricter in the beginning before becoming more flexible and adapting to the data and developments. However, it is unlikely that legislation will be able to limit AI's technological momentum and power. Therefore, we are preparing for peak moments in the future while always adhering to the law. 

What happens with devToM & GDPR? 

devToM is a cutting-edge AI technology tool. It is a SaaS application that enables product intelligence by combining the power of artificial intelligence, unstructured data, and a system of best practices. Shortly, devToM is an AI-powered Product Development platform that converts and maintains product ideas.

With devToM, professionals can rapidly identify risks and opportunities, analyze the market with real-time data, design innovative products based on market trends, collaborate more effectively with their teams, and develop successful products. Learn more about devToM right here.

Sign up for devToM and receive a free 30-day trial immediately.

devToM is compliant with GDPR and respects the intellectual property rights of others. Therefore, its priority, which has already been achieved, is to implement, monitor and update the appropriate technical and organizational security measures to ensure a risk-appropriate level of security. 

devToM's primary characteristic is the protection of legal frameworks and rights. Thus, it safeguards the platform user and the information the legal framework protects. In a broader sense, it adheres to all laws about protecting individuals, intellectual property, etc., and fully complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

For this reason, devToM also allows users to learn about patents and trademarks. These are assets that they can invest in and use to their advantage. At the same time, the users can also protect their trademarks or patents if they have already obtained them.

The ideas and products and their developments are under their owners' exclusive control and ownership. Therefore, devToM does not claim ownership over user-generated ideas, data, or reports.

According to its Privacy Policy, devToM does not request personal information from customers unless it is necessary to operate the website.

Moreover, devToM:

• Does not ask users for personal information unless necessary while operating the website.
• Does not share personal information with anyone except to comply with the law, develop its products to enhance users' experiences here, or protect devToM's rights.
• Does not store personal information on the servers unless required for the ongoing operation of any one of the services.

devToM is evidence that GDPR and AI can coexist in harmony and that they can be improved from one another. Ultimately, AI's potential is enormous, and it would be a shame if this momentum were to be impeded. Moreover, GDPR safeguards users and personal property. One is necessary for the other to flourish and assume its final form with due regard for the citizens' requirements.