AI Impacts on Business-Data Protection and Privacy-Interview with Cristina Vannini-Goodchild

Today we have the pleasure of having with us Cristina Vannini-Goodchild, a multi-Award Winner expert in GDPR And DPO specialist, who will discuss Digital Transformation and AI implications for GDPR and Privacy to give more clarity and create more awareness for Companies of what are the activities and strategies to consider.

This interview is based on “burning questions” about AI, DT, and their impacts on GDPR and Privacy. Below are the takeaways from the questions:

How should an organisation ensure privacy when undergoing a digital transformation?

Privacy and data protection:

Privacy and Data Protection are crucial considerations in digital transformations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides a framework to ensure that organisations handle personal data lawfully and fairly.

Responsibility for Data Protection

Data protection is the responsibility of everyone within an organisation, not just the IT department. Fair data usage means aligning data processing with the principles outlined in GDPR.

Training ensures that all employees understand data protection and their responsibilities. Human error is common in data breaches, so educating employees is vital.

Activities before starting a Digital Transformation

Before launching a digital transformation, organisations should conduct a Data Processing Impact Assessment (DPIA) to stress test the transformation's purpose, lawfulness, and risks. This assessment helps identify potential issues and ensures compliance with GDPR.

When GDPR is understood and applied correctly, it becomes any business' greatest ally.

Vendors’ selection for Digital transformation

Organisations should conduct due diligence when choosing vendors for digital transformation and assess their GDPR compliance. A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) should be established between the organisation and the vendor to ensure fair treatment of data.

How can organisations balance the need for data access and usage in a digital transformation with the requirement to maintain privacy?

Data Transferring warnings

Transferring data outside of the UK requires additional safeguards; a Transfer Risk Assessment (TRA) should be carried out, followed by putting in place an International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA). The GDPR again provides a framework for assessing and mitigating risks associated with data transfers.

What are the unique privacy challenges an organisation might face when implementing AI, given that these systems often process sensitive data?

AI, automation-warnings

When it comes to automation processes supported by AI, caution is advised. AI is still young, and data accuracy and copyright issues can arise. However, using the GDPR framework can help ensure that automation processes do not compromise data privacy.

Automation to comply with GDPR?

Utilising automation as a tool to enhance privacy processes can be beneficial. Privacy by design principles can be applied to develop solutions that prioritise privacy and data protection.

What is privacy by design?

Privacy by design is a concept that emphasises incorporating privacy considerations into the development of software and AI solutions. It involves building privacy features into the solution from the start rather than retrofitting them later.

Cristina highlighted the importance of GDPR compliance, the need for comprehensive assessments and due diligence, and the potential benefits of privacy by design in digital transformations, while warning about risks not to be overlooked.

Here is a representation of Cristina's insights: