The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched a formal investigation into Google’s artificial intelligence development, specifically examining the company’s compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The inquiry, announced on September 12, will assess whether Google adhered to the necessary data protection protocols before using personal data from EU and EEA users to develop its foundational AI Model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2). California AI bill has been the topic of concern since months, and different users worldwide hold this view about this legislation. Comment The DPC’s investigation will determine if Google conducted a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) — a critical step required under GDPR when processing personal data that is likely to result in a high risk to individual rights and freedoms. The inquiry is part of the DPC’s broader efforts to regulate how the personal data of EU citizens is processed in developing AI models. A Google spokesperson responded to the announcement, stating that the company takes its obligations under GDPR seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with the DPC throughout the investigation. Comment This inquiry into Google is not an isolated event. Other tech companies have also faced increased scrutiny from European regulators over their AI practices in recent months. To dive deeper into the EU’s antitrust actions against tech giants, check out the EU’s Antitrust Charges Against Apple and Google for a comprehensive breakdown of the key issues and implications. Last month, the AI model Grok, developed by X (formerly Twitter), came under regulatory review. The social media company altered its privacy settings in July, requiring EU users to opt out of having their public posts used to train Grok, a new AI model spearheaded by Elon Musk. Comment The Irish Data Protection Commission filed an emergency request with the Irish High Court over concerns that these changes violated privacy rights. The court proceedings were resolved when X agreed to stop collecting personal data from EU users for AI training. The decision followed engagement with the Irish privacy watchdog after complaints were filed by the Austrian privacy group NOYB, which raised concerns over Meta’s use of personal data from European users. These actions underscore a growing regulatory push in Europe to scrutinize and regulate how major technology companies handle personal data, particularly in developing advanced AI models. Comment The investigation into Google is part of a broader regulatory crackdown by the EU on big tech companies. The EU has recently implemented comprehensive regulations for AI, which came into effect in August 2024. These new rules require companies to ensure compliance by 2026, with additional stringent regulations for AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT set to apply even sooner. This regulatory framework aims to protect personal data and privacy while balancing the need for innovation in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. Comment The DPC’s investigation into Google reflects the EU’s commitment to safeguarding the personal data of its citizens and ensuring that companies using AI technologies do so responsibly and transparently. The outcome of this inquiry could impact how tech companies approach data protection and AI development in the future, setting a precedent for other regulatory bodies worldwide. By scrutinizing AI practices at companies like Google, Meta, and X, the EU aims to protect individual privacy rights and set standards for data protection that align with its stringent regulatory environment. Comment The DPC’s inquiry into Google is an essential step in this process, as it examines whether the tech giant has met its legal obligations regarding the use of personal data in its AI development efforts. For more news and trends, visit AI News on our website.
byu/lurker_bee from discussion
intechnology
byu/lurker_bee from discussion
intechnology
byu/lurker_bee from discussion
intechnology
byu/lurker_bee from discussion
intechnology
byu/lurker_bee from discussion
intechnology
byu/lurker_bee from discussion
intechnology
EU Privacy Regulator Launches Investigation into Google’s AI Practices!
-
Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.Dave Andre
Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.
Key Takeaways:
According to the DPC, the DPIA is “of crucial importance in ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals are adequately considered and protected.”
Similarly, in July, Meta halted the deployment of its AI model in Europe, citing the “unpredictable nature of the European regulatory environment.”
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.
