Privacy Awareness Week 2024 is currently being celebrated by the National Privacy Commission with the theme “Data Privacy For All: Embracing Inclusivity and Diversity.” This celebration highlights the universal right to privacy of every Filipino and the importance of having a comprehensive dialogue about data privacy, especially in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI, although not a new concept, has become more prevalent in today’s society with the introduction of various AI-powered applications such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and even Spotify’s “AI DJ” feature. The recent launch of OpenAI’s GPT-4o has further advanced AI interaction by allowing users to have conversations with AI assistants using text, image, and video prompts.
However, as AI continues to be integrated into daily life, concerns about data privacy have also emerged. Issues such as privacy and security risks related to AI’s data practices have been raised, leading to calls for more transparency from companies on how AI uses personal data. A study by cloud communications company Twilio found that 77 percent of Filipino consumers want more transparency on how AI utilizes their data to build trust with customers.
To address these concerns, companies are urged to comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which emphasizes transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality in data processing for AI applications. Additionally, there are proposed bills in Congress, such as HB 7396 and HB 7913, that aim to regulate the use of AI and protect the right to privacy.
Financial institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are also studying the impact of AI on the banking industry to implement safeguards that protect customer data while leveraging AI technologies to enhance services and customer experiences. Initiatives like the Track and Plan service of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) demonstrate how AI can be used to provide insights into customer spending and saving habits through responsible data practices.
As the Philippines embraces AI, it is crucial for service providers and the government to establish guidelines and frameworks to ensure the ethical and proper use of AI technologies. By fostering responsible development and utilization of AI, potential risks can be mitigated while upholding the right to privacy for all individuals.
