Guarding Data in the AI Era

Tom Shaw

Software Developer and Digital Storyteller

Guarding personal data is more important than ever in today’s world. Join Tom Shaw and navigate the complexities of data protection laws like GDPR while using AI and automation tools. Learn to stay compliant, avoid fines and guard your personal data.

Creating Value with AI Tools

Guarding Data in the AI Era

6 mins 12 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Outline the importance of GDPR and its implications when working with AI models
Understand key points for guarding your data
Outline essential practices to ensure GDPR compliance when collecting and processing others’ personal data

Overview:

Do you ever worry about the safety of your personal data in the digital world? In the final Step of this Sprint, Tom Shaw breaks down the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and explains why staying compliant is critical - especially when using third-party AI and automation tools. Tom explains some key rights around data processing, consent and also offers practical tips to safeguard your personal data. Understanding these risks is just as important when you are collecting and processing others’ data.

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Summary

What is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a data protection law implemented in the EU and the UK, aimed at giving individuals more control over their personal data. It consists of 99 articles, but the essential aspects can be distilled into a few key points that are particularly relevant for most businesses and individuals. GDPR establishes that data processing requires explicit consent, allows individuals to revoke their consent, and grants them the right to access their data. Understanding these core elements is crucial for compliance.

Why is it important to understand GDPR and its implications when working with AI models?

Understanding GDPR is vital because it directly affects how personal data is processed, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. As AI often relies on large amounts of data, businesses must ensure that they comply with GDPR when using AI tools. This includes being aware of how data is collected, processed, and stored. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties of up to 4% of an organisation's annual turnover or a fine of £17.5 million. Ensuring you follow the rules keeps your business safe from fines and builds trust with your users.

What should you know about processing and sharing data under GDPR?

Under GDPR, the key points to remember when processing or sharing data include:

Data processing is opt-in, not opt-out: Individuals must give explicit consent to have their data processed, not just opt-out
Consent can be revoked: People can request their data be deleted, and organisations have one month to comply or explain why they can’t
Right to access: Individuals can request a copy of their data, and organisations must respond within a month, with some extensions allowed
Lawful processing: There are 6 lawful bases for processing personal data, such as consent, legal obligation, or protecting someone’s life
Accuracy: Organisations must ensure the data they hold is accurate and up to date

How should you manage consent when you collect and process someone’s personal data?

To stay GDPR-compliant, you should:

Record how and when individuals gave consent to process their data. This can include a copy of terms and conditions they agreed to
Keep track of the personal data you collect (e.g., name, address, phone number) using a simple document or spreadsheet
Ensure data is stored within the EU or UK if using cloud services

Even with strong data protection, breaches can happen. Be prepared by creating a plan that outlines the steps you'll take if a breach occurs. This plan should help you act swiftly and stay compliant with GDPR.

The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.

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Tom Shaw

Tom Shaw is a software developer with the mission to inspire as many people as possible to get into tech. He is also a content creator and has amassed a huge following on social media by providing practical and engaging tips on how to use code to further your productivity and career prospects. Tom focuses on making coding fun and shows how you can build efficient and fun solutions by showcasing how he builds his projects, what he gets up to as a developer. He has worked as a freelance software developer, building products and systems for clients all around the world that range from innovative startups to some of the biggest companies.

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