AI Ownership of Information Raises Privacy Concerns for Corporations and Consumers
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that evokes both excitement and apprehension. While much of the fear surrounding AI focuses on its potential to replace human jobs, there is another pressing issue at hand – the ownership of information used to train AI programs like ChatGPT. This issue extends beyond the media industry and affects corporations and consumers who may unknowingly relinquish valuable or private information while interacting with chatbots.
ChatGPT, a generative language program, has gained immense popularity since its release last fall. Investors have poured money into AI component companies, and tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are heavily investing in AI. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently launched an investigation into OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, for potentially violating consumer data protection laws. Italy even briefly banned ChatGPT due to privacy concerns.
The heart of the matter lies in the fact that the algorithmic models powering ChatGPT consume both the input and output data. This means that when individuals use the chatbot, their information is used to enhance the model, potentially compromising their privacy. For example, an accountant using ChatGPT to generate an essay based on financial tables unknowingly shares their data, which the chatbot could then use to answer another person’s query about the accountant’s company.
Some companies have learned about this risk the hard way. Samsung Electronics prohibited its employees from using ChatGPT after a chip engineer uploaded software code to diagnose issues. The fear was that the code could be accessed by other users of the AI platform.
OpenAI has assured users that ChatGPT does not contain information newer than September 2021, but it can access more recent data through a browsing feature connected to the internet. This situation raises concerns about privacy and solidifies the idea that if something is free, users themselves become the product.
Businesses must tread carefully when utilizing generative AI. Medical professionals, for instance, use ChatGPT to expedite writing reports sent to patients’ insurers. However, sharing a patient’s name in the public version of the chatbot could violate medical privacy laws. Companies like Code 42, a Minneapolis-based data security services provider, help organizations monitor potential data leaks, including those involving AI models.
While technology companies often find resolutions, generative language technology poses a unique risk that demands caution from all of us. It is crucial to recognize the evolving relationship between individuals and digital service providers, understanding the underlying trade-offs involved. Awareness of these challenges is vital as we navigate the intricacies of AI ownership and prioritize user privacy.
In conclusion, the ownership of information used to train AI programs like ChatGPT raises significant privacy concerns for corporations and consumers alike. The FTC’s investigation into OpenAI and Italy’s ban on ChatGPT highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. With the widespread adoption of AI in various industries, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological advancement and safeguarding personal and corporate data. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure adequate legal and ethical frameworks are in place to protect the privacy and interests of individuals and businesses alike.
