Navigating AI with Caution: Why Privacy and Data Protection Laws Matter More Than Ever

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posted on 3 weeks ago — updated on 1 second ago

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<p id="7fad" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="lj ft">While AI finds increasing expression in our day-to-day experience</strong> — smart speakers and face identification, online retail suggestions and selfie-generation via AI — <strong class="lj ft">there remains one primary anxiety rising up steadily</strong>: <em class="mf">is my personal information truly safe?</em></p><figure class="mj mk ml mm mn mo mg mh paragraph-image"><div class="mg mh mi"><picture><source srcset="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/format:webp/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/format:webp/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/format:webp/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/format:webp/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/format:webp/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/format:webp/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1146/format:webp/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 1146w" type="image/webp" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 573px"><source srcset="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:640/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 640w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:720/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 720w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:750/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 750w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:786/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 786w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:828/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 828w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1100/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 1100w, https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1146/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png 1146w" sizes="(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 573px" data-testid="og"><img class="bh kp mp c" role="presentation" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:716/1*nO6mpqD7i8D8SDPHTV1xVw.png" alt="" width="573" height="384" loading="eager"></picture></div></figure><h2 id="81cf" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">AI Is Amazing, But Comes at a Cost</strong></h2><p id="a8f4" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="lj ft">AI technology is unquestionably amazing.</strong> It makes our lives easier, performs mundane tasks, and even entertains us with innovative features. But that ease comes at a secret price — <em class="mf">our privacy</em>. What most don’t know is how much of their personal data is being harvested and how little they have to say about where it goes.</p><h2 id="5521" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">The Hidden Privacy Cost of AI</strong></h2><p id="b4c4" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">It’s simple to assume that AI-powered applications are just harmless fun. You upload a picture to make it a cartoon, or let an email chatbot compose emails for you — what could be the bad?</p><p id="96cd" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">But each time we use these devices, we’re surrendering information. And not just information — sometimes it’s very intimate, such as facial photos, voice recordings, or patterns of behavior. The problem is that users usually don’t know how this information is kept, to whom it’s disclosed, or how long it remains in the system. That’s where better user awareness and explicit data protection legislation enter the picture.</p><h2 id="d763" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">Why Data Protection Legislation Is Important</strong></h2><p id="8df7" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">As computing power advances, the danger of data abuse — either intentional or unintentional — increases. That’s why nations everywhere are developing transparent, enforceable data protection legislation that establishes standards for the treatment of personal data.</p><p id="7e5c" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Saudi Arabia is among the regional pioneers in this area. <a class="ag nq" href="https://saudi-pdpl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow"><strong class="lj ft">The Kingdom has established its own personal data protection law</strong></a> and ethical AI principles to ensure that innovation does not occur at the expense of individual rights. These rules are designed to hold organizations accountable, reduce misuse, and empower users with greater control over their information.</p><h2 id="7aaa" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">What Can Users Do to Stay Safe?</strong></h2><p id="6343" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">While governments and organizations must take a lead role in implementing data protection policies, users should be responsible for their online safety too. It begins with being aware of what you post on the internet — particularly when using AI tools.</p><p id="9656" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="lj ft">Here are some easy steps to keep yourself safe:</strong></p><ul class=""><li id="1c45" class="lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Read privacy policies, even if they are lengthy.</li><li id="09ce" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Restrict the information you provide — don’t offer more data than you have to.</li><li id="fb7e" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Stick to trusted platforms with transparent data handling practices.</li><li id="6f80" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Ask questions — if you’re unsure how your data is being used, look for answers or avoid the app.</li><li id="92f9" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Just because a tool looks fun or convenient doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.</li></ul><h2 id="4e9b" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">Organizations Must Build Privacy by Design</strong></h2><p id="0e75" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Responsibility doesn’t fall solely on users. Companies and developers must also make privacy a priority from the design stage. This practice, commonly called <em class="mf">“privacy by design,”</em> includes:</p><ul class=""><li id="b7fc" class="lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Reducing data collection</li><li id="1883" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Securing and encrypting data</li><li id="0d0d" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Transparency regarding what information is collected and why</li></ul><p id="fdf3" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Businesses that invest time in establishing trust through honest communication and ethical use of data are more likely to succeed in the long run. It’s no longer about innovation — <em class="mf">it’s about ethical innovation</em>.</p><h2 id="a7e8" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">AI Risks You Might Not See Coming</strong></h2><p id="9f14" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">One of the scariest things about AI is how silently it can operate. The risks aren’t always obvious. Some systems can make biased decisions, leak sensitive data, or be used in ways that weren’t originally intended. For instance, a facial recognition app that started as a fun filter could end up being used for surveillance without users ever knowing.</p><p id="9d77" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">That’s why comprehensive data protection laws are necessary. They prevent these situations from arising by compelling businesses to conduct business openly and ethically — and they give consumers legal remedies when things do go wrong.</p><h2 id="1593" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">Promote Responsible AI Use in Your Community</strong></h2><p id="3642" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Learning about AI ethics isn’t only reserved for tech experts. Regular users stand to gain from knowing the fundamentals of how AI operates, what information it requires, and what dangers accompany it. Knowing this enables individuals to make more informed choices and to say something when it doesn’t feel right.</p><p id="cdd1" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">You can also advocate within your own circle for more responsible use of AI. Whether in the workplace, in your home, or online, encouraging good data practices can create a culture of awareness and security.</p><h2 id="befe" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">Selecting Privacy-First AI Tools</strong></h2><p id="5b6a" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Not all AI tools are hungry for data. Some are privacy-focused and provide users real control over their data. In choosing tools, consider:</p><ul class=""><li id="b02b" class="lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Transparent privacy statements</li><li id="e4f8" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Data minimalism</li><li id="fc1a" class="lh li fs lj b lk nu lm ln lo nv lq lr ls nw lu lv lw nx ly lz ma ny mc md me nr ns nt bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Delete or download your options</li></ul><p id="a96e" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">By acting more intelligently and backing privacy-first solutions, we can redefine the demand toward ethical AI design.</p><h2 id="8e2f" class="mq mr fs bf ms mt mu mv mw mx my mz na ls nb nc nd lw ne nf ng ma nh ni nj nk bk" data-selectable-paragraph=""><strong class="am">Conclusion</strong></h2><p id="37a5" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk nl lm ln lo nm lq lr ls nn lu lv lw no ly lz ma np mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Artificial intelligence is here to stay — and that’s great. It has the potential to grow businesses, enhance healthcare, make education better, and get our lives in order. None of that has to come, however, at the expense of personal privacy.</p><p id="c2b2" class="pw-post-body-paragraph lh li fs lj b lk ll lm ln lo lp lq lr ls lt lu lv lw lx ly lz ma mb mc md me fl bk" data-selectable-paragraph="">Together, as developers, regulators, and users, we all have a role in building a secure and equitable digital world. Through increased awareness about the management of our data and standing up for the enforcement of good <a class="ag nq" href="https://saudi-pdpl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow"><strong class="lj ft">data protection regulations</strong></a>, we can benefit from the potential of AI without losing any rights.</p>