Helping to build a culture of privacy | Data Privacy | Data Ethics | AI Ethics | #PrivacyMatters #WomenInPrivacy #DyslexicThinking
Today, I had the opportunity to attend the EDPS - European Data Protection Supervisor conference in celebration of their 20th anniversary. The conference commenced with an insightful keynote by Wojciech Wiewiorowski. His words resonated deeply, emphasizing that we must go beyond GDPR and change our mindset. I wholeheartedly agree. Privacy transcends compliance; it is a fundamental human right that should not be commodified. Several critical questions emerged from the EDPS discussion: • What is the role of the state in safeguarding privacy? • What exactly are we protecting through privacy measures? • What is privacy protecting in a broader societal context? • Are we adequately informing and engaging civil society on these issues? These questions are central to the ongoing debate about the balance between state authority and individual rights. In democratic societies, it is imperative that states not only enforce data protection laws but also educate and empower citizens to understand and exercise their privacy rights. I must also add, as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, the ethical implications of its use are paramount. AI ethics must be considered in this conversation, especially regarding: • How AI handles personal data and ensures privacy. • The potential biases in AI algorithms that can affect fairness and equality. • The transparency of AI operations and decision-making processes. Incorporating AI ethics into data protection frameworks is crucial to prevent misuse and ensure technology serves the public good. As we move forward, the importance of creating a democratic state that protects privacy and upholds ethical standards in AI cannot be overstated. Privacy is not just a regulatory issue but a cornerstone of democratic freedom and autonomy. Engaging in this debate is essential for shaping policies that reflect our shared values and protect our collective future. Thanks to the EDPS - European Data Protection Supervisor for creating this important debate and for their great work over the past 20 years. #EDPSxx #PrivacyMatters #GDPR
