With AI growing increasingly commonplace, the risk from ‘deepfakes’ and the creation of other non-consensual imagery is also accelerating.

The Office of the Data Protection Authority has said individuals can protect themselves but it acknowledges that can be difficult to do, without the knowledge of how the deepfakes are created.

The ODPA is one of 60 co-signatories from jurisdictions around the world who have recognised “the potentially harmful content such systems can create and pledges a commitment to collectively addressing this global risk”.

Pictured: Deepfakes are a type of AI-generated image.

“The joint statement makes it clear that where personal data is involved data protection and privacy legislation must be complied with, and outlines expectations for organisations developing these systems,” said an ODPA spokesperson. “In addition to coordinating with our global counterparts, the Crown Dependency partners are committed to engaging with their respective governments, private sectors and civil society to address these risks.”

ADVICE

The ODPA says while responsibility for data protection compliance lies with the organisations that design and use AI platforms and systems that allow the creation of ‘deepfakes’ and other non-consensual imagery, individuals can take steps to limit the use of their personal data. 

These steps include:

  • Controlling who can see your information and limit what you share.
  • Being cautious when using AI tools and relying on AI-generated content.
  • Remembering that information shared with AI tools may be difficult to fully remove.
  • Not creating or sharing AI-generated content that could harm someone else. 
  • Understanding your data protection rights and what to do if something goes wrong.
  • Talking to children about how they use online services and AI tools.

Brent Homan, the Bailiwick of Guernsey Data Protection Commissioner, said it boils down to, only using other people’s information as you would like your own information to be used.

If you wouldn’t like it, chances are the other person won’t either, he said. 

“The abuse of AI image systems to create ‘Deepfakes’ poses global risks that have reached our islands.  By joining forces with our Crown Dependency counterparts we can better arm and protect our children against these harms.”

There is more information and more detailed advice at odpa.gg