Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral part of our daily lives, from voice assistants in our speakers to smart appliances in our homes. However, as tech giants like Apple and Microsoft introduce new AI features, concerns about privacy and data security are growing. This week, Apple announced new AI functionalities for its phones, prompting Elon Musk to label the move as a potential “unacceptable security violation“. Last month, Microsoft’s announcement of a feature that takes frequent screenshots of users’ laptops also sparked similar concerns.
With technology infiltrating our homes and pockets, should we be worried about how our personal information is being used and safeguarded?
Trust in technology
“Technology is great. You need to trust the technology, right?” says Vonny Gamot, the head of EMEA at cybersecurity company McAfee. She emphasizes that without trust in technology, humanity wouldn’t have progressed to driving cars, going to the moon, or using computers. However, the concern lies in how technology might be misused.
AI: A double-edged sword
“AI is just a tool that bad actors will use to create scams or collect data that you’re not prepared to share,” Gamot notes. While scammers have always been interested in personal information, the advent of AI means that our data can also be used to train these intelligent systems. This raises questions about who has access to our data and for what purposes.
Protecting your data: Expert tips
If you are concerned about your privacy and the security of your data, experts recommend taking several steps:
Check your phone settings
“The number one thing [you can do] is look at where you share your data,” advises Gamot. Start by reviewing your phone settings. Check which apps have access to your microphone, camera, files, and location. For instance, does your map app really need access to your microphone? Limiting unnecessary permissions can help protect your data.
Gamot is particularly worried about apps having access to microphones. “Three seconds [of recording] is enough to clone your voice for a bad actor,” she warns.
Read the terms and conditions
It’s essential to understand what you’re agreeing to when you accept terms and conditions online. Conor McCaffrey from Securiti Sciences Limited, an AI data security company, suggests reading cookie banners and other forms to understand what data is being collected and how it is used. Instead of blindly hitting ‘accept‘, take control by selecting which permissions to allow.
This is crucial when uploading content, such as photos, to websites. You might unknowingly be giving away rights to your content, so always check what you’re consenting to.
Evaluate the necessity of information
“People are just collecting data. That’s their business,” says Gamot. When signing up for a service or website, consider how much information you actually need to provide. If you’re getting an item delivered, your address is necessary, but other details like your age or passport number might not be relevant.
Gamot recommends being mindful of the information you share: “Make sure that when you give your information, does it make sense to leave my email, my address, my age, my passport number? You need to be very careful with that.”
Assess the value of an app
Before downloading an app, particularly free ones like games, consider whether it’s worth giving access to your personal data. “Be conscious that your data is the most valuable thing,” McCaffrey advises. Free apps often monetize by collecting and selling user data.
“I don’t download random game apps because I know they’re just sucking all my data out of my phone and reselling it,” says McCaffrey. While these games can be entertaining, it’s important to weigh whether a few minutes of fun is worth compromising your privacy.
Conclusion
As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our lives, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about our data privacy. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to protect our information, we can enjoy the benefits of technology without compromising our security.
