Skip to content
Alt="" Linkedin Facebook Tiktok Instagram
  • Press & Media
  • 0161 200 9960
  • info@baringslaw.com
  • Press & Media
  • 0161 200 9960
  • info@baringslaw.com

CAR FINANCE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT TODAY - START YOUR CLAIM NOW

alt=""
  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Afghan Nationals
    • Bank Fraud
    • Business Interruption Claims
    • Data Breach Claims
    • Diesel Emission Claims
    • Immigration Law
    • Irresponsible Lending
    • Microsoft & Google Claims
    • Mis-Sold Business Energy Claims
    • Mis-Sold Motor Vehicle Finance Claims
    • Mis-Sold Pension Claims
    • St. James’s Place
    • Tenancy Deposit Claims
  • About Us
    • Our Story / Our Team
    • Careers
    • Client Testimonials
  • News & Insights
    • Case Studies
    • Latest News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletters
  • Resources
    • FAQs
    • Feedback
    • Help Centre
    • Press & Media
  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Afghan Nationals
    • Bank Fraud
    • Business Interruption Claims
    • Data Breach Claims
    • Diesel Emission Claims
    • Immigration Law
    • Irresponsible Lending
    • Microsoft & Google Claims
    • Mis-Sold Business Energy Claims
    • Mis-Sold Motor Vehicle Finance Claims
    • Mis-Sold Pension Claims
    • St. James’s Place
    • Tenancy Deposit Claims
  • About Us
    • Our Story / Our Team
    • Careers
    • Client Testimonials
  • News & Insights
    • Case Studies
    • Latest News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletters
  • Resources
    • FAQs
    • Feedback
    • Help Centre
    • Press & Media
Talk to Us
alt=""
  • 11 months ago
  • Data Breach
  • Jessica Howkins

Introduction To Data Privacy And AI: Understanding The Basics

Data privacy has become a paramount concern for individuals and organisations as the digital world continues to evolve.

Data privacy refers to the protection of personal information from unauthorised access, use or disclosure. It includes various aspects, including how data is collected, stored, managed, and shared.

Personal data can include anything from names, addresses, and phone numbers to more sensitive information such as National Insurance numbers, health records and financial details. The importance of data privacy lies in safeguarding this information to protect individuals’ identities, ensure confidentiality, and prevent misuse or abuse.

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced in recent years, transforming numerous sectors, from healthcare and finance to marketing and customer service. AI systems can analyse large quantities of data, identify patterns, make predictions such as what might happen if changes are made within a business, and even perform tasks done by humans such as creating art, compose music, read and write, speak, and even smell. You read that right, there has been research by Tel Aviv University where robots have been able to identify odours by using a sensor. This technology is believed to be used in the future to identify explosives, drugs and diseases.

However, AI’s capabilities are largely dependent on the quality and quantity of data it has access to.

How AI Utilises Data

AI systems require data to learn and improve. They use machine learning algorithms to process data, identify trends, and make decisions. For instance, in healthcare, AI can analyse patient data to predict disease outbreaks or recommend personalised treatment plans. In marketing, AI can analyse consumer behaviour to deliver targeted advertisements.

The more data an AI system has, the more accurate and effective it can be. However, the reliance on data raises significant privacy concerns. The collection, storage, and processing of personal data by AI systems can potentially infringe on individuals’ privacy rights if not managed properly.

Woman Using AI Generative Chat

Data Privacy Concerns with AI

Data Collection: AI systems often collect large amounts of personal data, sometimes without explicit consent from individuals. This can include browsing history, location data, and even voice or facial recognition data.

Many users unknowingly grant access to their data through complex and lengthy terms of service agreements, which they often accept without thorough reading. Additionally, tracking technologies like cookies monitor users’ online activities, frequently without clear notification. Mobile apps can access and track location data, even when not actively in use, and social media platforms scrape extensive personal information from profiles. Voice assistances and smart devices might capture conversations inadvertently, while facial recognition technologies may gather biometric data without users’ explicit awareness. These practices raise significant privacy concerns as users might not fully understand the extent of data collection and its implications.

Data Storage: The storage of vast amounts of personal data poses security risks. If not adequately protected, this data can be vulnerable to breaches, exposing sensitive information to unauthorised parties.

Data Processing: AI systems process data in ways that may not always be transparent to users. Individuals may not fully understand how their data is being used or the implications of this usage. For example, AI can analyse vast amounts of personal data to identify patterns, make decisions or automate decisions, often without clear disclosure as to which personal data is being mined, combined with other data sources and utilised.

Data Sharing: Companies may share data with third parties, including other AI systems, for various purposes. This can lead to a further lack of transparency regarding personal information being used without the individuals’ knowledge or consent.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The meeting of AI and data privacy has significant legal and ethical implications. Various regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, have been enacted to protect individuals’ data privacy rights.

These regulations aim to ensure transparency, accountability and consent in data handling practices. They require organisations to implement robust data protection measures and provide individuals with control over their personal information.

However, the rapid advancement of AI can outpace regulations, creating gaps in protection. While there are numerous laws that restrict how AI can be used in practice, there is no specific regulation for artificial intelligence.

This has meant that there are continuous updates to data privacy laws and the development of new guidelines specifically tailored to AI technologies. Currently, there are numerous laws that restrict how AI can be used in practice, including:

1. Data protection law, such as the Data Protection Act 2018, that affects data collection and processing for AI development and is the remit of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

2. Equalities, privacy, and common law, such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. These laws affect the outcomes of AI systems and decisions which may have discrimination and human rights implications and are the remit of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. Privacy and common laws may limit the degree to which employers can substitute AI decision-making for their own judgement and places some restrictions on the use of surveillance tools to monitor workers.

3. Intellectual property law, such as the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, which governs ownership and legal use of any intellectual property in outputs or in datasets and is the remit of the Intellectual Property Office.

AI Enhanced Workflow - Icons of Sources Used to Train AI Include Online Searches, System Settings, Streaming, Chat.

Future Regulation Plans

In 2023, the Conservative Government published a white paper outlining a ‘pro-innovation approach to AI’. The former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, hosted a global ‘AI Safety Summit’ which resulted in 28 countries signing a declaration on AI safety, and the establishment of an AI Safety Institute.

As of now, the Labour Government in the UK has indicated that it intends to build upon the previous framework, but with a stronger emphasis on ethical considerations and broader societal benefits. There is currently no date set in stone for the implementation of regulations and approaches to AI. This will depend on several factors, including the political process, consultations with stakeholders, and legislative schedules.

Outside of the UK, the European Union is currently finalising an AI Act. The act is designed to work with the existing GDPR and DSA (Digital Services Act) and will define different risk levels with corresponding levels of regulation. In the US, a blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights has also been outlined. These are non-binding guidelines that aim to address discrimination, data privacy, and transparency.

Moving Forward: Balancing Innovation and Privacy

As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various aspects of our lives, understanding the basics of data privacy becomes increasingly crucial. Individuals need to be aware of how their data is collected, used, and protected while organisations must prioritise ethical data handling practices and comply with relevant regulations.

By fostering a culture of data privacy and transparency, we can harness the power of AI responsibly and ensure that technological advancements do not come at the cost of individuals’ privacy rights. Implementing robust data protection measures, enhancing consent mechanisms and promoting user education are vital steps toward this goal.

Continuous updates to data privacy laws and the development of new guidelines and regulations specifically tailored to AI will help bridge the gap between innovation and privacy. By striking a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and safeguarding personal information, we can create a future where technological progress and privacy coexist with minor risk.

Ever used Microsoft and/or Google’s products? You may be able to claim compensation for the unauthorised use of your data.

As far as we know, Barings Law is the first law firm in the UK launching legal action against the tech giants, Microsoft and Google, for the unauthorised use of personal data. The data is believed to have been used in the ongoing development of AI models without proper consent from its users.

If you have ever had a Microsoft or Google account, or if you have ever used any of their products and services, it’s time for you to take action and stand up for your personal data rights.

To get started, all you need to do is click the button at the bottom of this article and fill in a quick-and-easy form. When you are submitting your claim, we will only ask you for information about the Microsoft and Google products and services you use. Once you have completed the form, a member of our team will be in touch if and when we require further details.

We work on a no-win no-fee basis, meaning you will have nothing to pay unless your claim is successful, meaning we will do what it takes to ensure we get you the money you deserve with no financial risk whatsoever. However, it is important that you cooperate with us at every stage.

View All News & Insights

Related Articles

Data Breach
Afghan Data Breach: The Timeline
  • 25th July 2025
Data Breach
British Special Forces and MI6 Spies Exposed in Afghan Data Breach
  • 22nd July 2025
Ministry of Defence Afghan National Data Breach Featured Image
Data Breach
Ministry of Defence Afghan National Data Breach: What Happened?
  • 15th July 2025

Share Story

Start Your Data Misuse Claim

If you have a Microsoft and/or Google account, or have ever used their products and services, you may be able to claim compensation for the unauthorised use of your data to train Artificial Intelligence systems.
Want to talk?
Start Claim Now
Trustpilot

Related Articles

Exterior of Supreme Court
Mis-Sold Motor Vehicle Finance / Motor Finance
Motor Finance Commission Claims: The Legal Timeline
  • 09th July 2025
Cloud data storage in the colours of blue, pink and purple. - Cyber-crime on the rise
Data Breach
Facing the Rising Threat of Cyber-Crime
  • 09th June 2025
Featured Image: Co-Op Sign - Co-Op Data Breach
Data Breach
Co-op Data Breach: What Happened?
  • 21st May 2025
Trustpilot

Get in Touch with Barings Law

We're Here to Help.

At Barings Law, your legal concerns are our top priority. Whether you need guidance on a complex legal matter or have questions about our services, our team is ready to assist you.

  • Media & Press
  • 0161 200 9960
  • info@baringslaw.com
  • Form

  • Should be Empty:
alt=""
  • Media & Press
  • 0161 200 9960
  • info@baringslaw.com

Claim Types

  • Afghan Nationals
  • Bank Fraud
  • Business Interruption Claims
  • Data Breach Claims
  • Diesel Emission Claims
  • Microsoft & Google Claims
  • Mis-Sold Business Energy Claims
  • Mis-Sold Motor Vehicle Finance Claims
  • Mis-Sold Pension Claims
  • Immigration Law
  • Irresponsible Lending
  • St. James’s Place Claims
  • Tenancy Deposit Claims
  • Afghan Nationals
  • Bank Fraud
  • Business Interruption Claims
  • Data Breach Claims
  • Diesel Emission Claims
  • Microsoft & Google Claims
  • Mis-Sold Business Energy Claims
  • Mis-Sold Motor Vehicle Finance Claims
  • Mis-Sold Pension Claims
  • Immigration Law
  • Irresponsible Lending
  • St. James’s Place Claims
  • Tenancy Deposit Claims

About Us

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Case Studies
  • Client Testimonials
  • Press & Media
  • Staff Testimonials
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Case Studies
  • Client Testimonials
  • Press & Media
  • Staff Testimonials

Resources

  • Help Centre
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletters
  • Help Centre
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletters

Get Social

  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
Trustpilot
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Complaints Policy
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use & Cookies Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Complaints Policy
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use & Cookies Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Complaints Policy
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use & Cookies Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Complaints Policy
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use & Cookies Policy

Copyright © 2024 Barings Law.
All rights reserved.

Barings Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
SRA Number: 522572
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}
  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Business Interruption Claims
    • Data Breach Claims
    • Diesel Emission Claims
    • Immigration Law
    • Mis-Sold Business Energy Claims
    • Mis-Sold Motor Vehicle Finance Claims
    • Mis-Sold Pension Claims
    • Tenancy Deposit Claims
  • About Us
    • Our Story / Our Team
    • Careers
    • Client Testimonials
  • News & Insights
    • Case Studies
    • Latest News
    • Press & Media
    • Newsletters
  • Resources
    • FAQs
    • Feedback
    • Help Centre
  • Contact Us
Call Us Email Us