Cybersecurity Policy Report, Hong Kong DPA Publishes Article on Privacy Issues in AI Deployment, (Jul 29, 2024)

By Tony Foley

Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) published an article last week discussing existing privacy guidelines on the use of data in artificial intelligence.

PCPD’s Thursday news release points out that organizations exploring a way to integrate AI into their operations have expressed concerns about difficulties in compliance in the absence of guidance and adds that the adoption of AI also presents privacy and ethical risks. “Indeed, AI security is an important aspect of national security,” PDPC said. “As advocated in the ‘Global AI Governance Initiative’ promulgated by the [Chinese] Mainland in 2023, the development of AI and security are of equal importance.”

In its article, which was originally published in the South China Morning Post, PCPD said it recently published the “Artificial Intelligence: Model Personal Data Protection Framework,” which it said provided internationally well-established and practicable recommendations as well as best practices to help organizations in the procurement, implementation, and use of AI, including generative AI, in compliance with the country’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO).

Among the elements discussed in the framework are recommended measures for general business practices, establishing AI strategy and governance, conducting risk assessments and human oversight, customizing AI models, and implementing and managing AI systems. PCPD added that adoption of this framework would help to reduce compliance costs, providing a step-by-step guide on the considerations and measures to be taken throughout the life cycle of AI procurement, implementation, and use, which will materially reduce the need for organizations to seek external advice from system developers, contractors, or professional service providers.

“As Hong Kong is poised to become an international innovation and technology hub, I believe that the model framework will help to nurture the healthy and safe development of AI in Hong Kong and propel the expansion of the digital economy throughout the Greater Bay Area,” said Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung Lai-ling. “AI is set to transform almost every facet of our lives. Whether AI becomes a game-changer for better or for worse hinges on our actions today. By fostering the safe and responsible use of AI, together we can build a trustworthy AI-driven world.”

News: InternationalLegislation DataSecurity DataPrivacy AINews