The European Commission says that the EU could become the most attractive, secure and dynamic data-agile economy in the world. The Commission’s new data strategy is for the EU to seize new opportunities in digitised industry and business-to-business artificial intelligence (AI) applications. However, the Commission has scrupulously avoided the vital question of whether GDPR is an obstacle to the EU’s plans to become an AI hub.
The European Commission announced its new EU data strategy with the publication of two papers in February 2020. These were a white paper on AI and a communication entitled, “A European strategy for data”. The Commission acknowledges that “the availability of data is essential for training artificial intelligence systems … without data, there is no AI.” Since GDPR carefully restricts the uses to which data can be put, it could well cut across the Commission’s ambitions for AI.
To facilitate access to large quantities of data, the Commission is proposing the creation of European data spaces for sectors including agriculture, public administration, industry, transport and health. The Commission wants businesses to have “easy access to an almost infinite amount of high-quality industrial data.” However, GDPR is likely to frustrate at least part of the Commission’s plans.
The Commission presents the GDPR as an important EU achievement that will enable trustworthy AI to flourish. However, the Commission avoids asking the tricky question of whether the GDPR could in fact prove an obstacle to AI innovation. The only hint that GDPR might need to be revisited is a comment that an “upcoming review of the GDPR may provide further useful elements.”
GDPR represents the gold standard for data protection worldwide. Many countries in the world are emulating GDPR. There is little political appetite in Europe to roll-back GDPR. Yet GDPR does, in fact, create friction with machine learning. For example, several of GDPR’s core principles, including purpose limitation and data minimisation, are obstacles to the creation of large training datasets.
Reducing friction
More flexible GDPR concepts exist which theoretically permit innovation, such as legitimate interest, public interest and scientific research. Yet these are so vaguely defined as to provide little legal certainty. The concepts can also be interpreted differently by the EU member states’ various national data protection authorities, which can mean different member states apply different rules.
How can the Commission best reduce the friction between GDPR and AI innovation? The first step is recognising that friction exists. Currently, EU policy makers are in denial about this reality. When challenged, they generally just repeat the mantra that GDPR supports sustainable AI innovation. For example, in its 2018 annual report, the French data regulator, the Commission nationale de l’informatique et des libertés (CNIL), said GDPR “provides a solid foundation for the future development of artificial intelligence in Europe”.
While GDPR does have in-built flexibility, that flexibility is surrounded by legal uncertainty which makes it is hard to avail of in practice. A more realistic assessment is that GDPR creates an obstacle to many European machine-learning projects. For example, a 2019 report on AI in France specifically stated that “access to health data, necessary for the development of relevant algorithms, is the major current obstacle to the development of an artificial intelligence sector in France.”
Only by first candidly admitting that GDPR creates barriers can the Commission begin to find ways to reduce those barriers – while preserving the GDPR’s essential protections. The Commission could then take the lead by providing innovation-friendly interpretations of GDPR’s vaguer provisions. The Commission has previously issued guidance on the interpretation of EU law in a way that supports innovation. Article 173(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union actually requires that the Union and member states create the conditions to encourage the competitiveness of the EU industry – including by promoting innovation, research and technological development. GDPR should be therefore interpreted in light of these overarching treaty objectives.
The innovation problem
The innovation problem has arisen in the past, as regards the Internet of Things, where the Commission issued recommendations in light of the 1995 Data Protection Directive. Similar recommendation could be issued on AI in light of GDPR constraints.
GDPR has at least three zones of uncertainty which the Commission could usefully clarify:
- The definition of personal data and how “special categories” can be used
There is still uncertainty regarding what constitutes personal data under GDPR. There is often debate about whether anonymised datasets are truly anonymised, since statistical correlations can be found between anonymised data and small groups, or individuals.
Given such uncertainty, machine learning innovators prefer to use public databases in the US to train their algorithms. The Commission could create a roadmap which creates large data spaces for training that include personal data. Excluding personal data is unrealistic. Data from medical devices, or cars, may be personal since it may relate to a single individual.
Large datasets of personal data may help to avoid bias and discrimination. Currently, most facial recognition algorithms are trained on non-European datasets and tested against racial discrimination in the United States. This is because GDPR is seen as discouraging such testing in Europe. The Commission could examine ways for GDPR to facilitate the creation of representative databases and testing mechanisms.
- What does processing for scientific research and statistical purposes include?
GDPR contains special exemptions on data use for scientific research and statistical purposes, but their definitions are ambiguous. Recital 159 GDPR gives a non-exhaustive list of scientific research activities, but some believe commercial research should be excluded.
The Commission should clarify how GDPR’s scientific research and statistics can be used to facilitate innovation in machine learning.
- What are “appropriate safeguards” for scientific research and statistical studies?
GDPR highlights the importance of data processing for scientific research and statistical purposes, subject to “appropriate safeguards for the rights and freedoms of the data subject”.
GDPR allows member states to derogate when processing personal data for such purposes. For example, the French authorities have specified appropriate safeguards for processing health data for medical research. However, as this only applies in France, cross-border medical research is hampered.
The Commission should work urgently to ease the friction between the GDPR and AI innovation. Recommendations and clarifications may help create a more innovation-friendly environment for AI. Yet some areas may require the modification of GDPR itself, or a new EU regulation.
The official pretence that no friction exists is profoundly unhelpful, and this denial of reality will only serve to obstruct the EU’s ambitious plans for AI.
Mathilde Gérot, senior associate, Signature Litigation
Winston Maxwell, director, Law and Digital Technology Studies, Telecom Paris – Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Original post: https://www.itproportal.com/features/will-the-gdpr-frustrate-europes-plans-for-ai/
I am the manager of JustCBD company (justcbdstore.com) and am aiming to broaden my wholesale side of business. I am hoping anybody at targetdomain can help me ! I considered that the very best way to accomplish this would be to reach out to vape stores and cbd retailers. I was really hoping if anyone could recommend a trustworthy web site where I can get Hemp and CBD Products Email List and Business Marketing Data I am presently reviewing creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Not sure which one would be the best solution and would appreciate any guidance on this. Or would it be easier for me to scrape my own leads? Suggestions?
I’m the manager of JustCBD label (justcbdstore.com) and I am currently looking to develop my wholesale side of company. It would be great if someone at targetdomain share some guidance ! I thought that the best way to do this would be to connect to vape companies and cbd retailers. I was really hoping if someone could suggest a trustworthy web-site where I can get UK Vape Shop Database I am presently examining creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Unsure which one would be the most ideal solution and would appreciate any support on this. Or would it be easier for me to scrape my own leads? Ideas?
That is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you book-marked to check out new things you post…
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article. Many thanks for providing these details.
Hello, I do believe your site could possibly be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, great site!
After exploring a number of the blog posts on your web page, I really appreciate your way of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my web site as well and tell me how you feel.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the site is also very good.
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I really hope to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own site now 😉
Excellent post! We will be linking to this great content on our site. Keep up the great writing.
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn’t disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I genuinely believed you’d have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is also very good.
It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people about this topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for supplying this information.
This is the right website for anybody who hopes to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for ages. Excellent stuff, just great!
After checking out a number of the blog articles on your web site, I honestly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me your opinion.
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
May I simply say what a comfort to find someone who truly understands what they are discussing on the net. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people should check this out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you definitely possess the gift.
Great information. Lucky me I found your site by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve bookmarked it for later!
I love reading through an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
This excellent website definitely has all of the info I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I am going to send this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be helpful to read content from other authors and practice something from other sites.
Wonderful article! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our website. Keep up the great writing.
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t fail me just as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, however I actually thought you would have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
You need to take part in a contest for one of the greatest websites on the web. I will highly recommend this web site!
You’ve made some really good points there. I looked on the internet for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the greatest websites on the web. I am going to recommend this blog!
May I simply say what a comfort to find somebody who genuinely understands what they are discussing online. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people really need to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular given that you definitely have the gift.
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I found this during my search for something relating to this.
I used to be able to find good advice from your content.
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thanks!
Can I just say what a comfort to find someone who actually understands what they’re talking about on the internet. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular since you definitely have the gift.
Good blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Spot on with this write-up, I really believe that this website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the advice!
I like reading through an article that can make men and women think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!
bookmarked!!, I love your site!
There is certainly a lot to know about this subject. I like all the points you’ve made.
You are so cool! I do not believe I’ve truly read through anything like this before. So great to discover somebody with some genuine thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Many thanks for providing this information.
I blog quite often and I seriously thank you for your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
You are so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve read anything like that before. So great to discover somebody with original thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with some originality!
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there a means you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely feel this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice!
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful. Many thanks for sharing!
Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?
I used to be able to find good information from your articles.
Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Right here is the perfect blog for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for ages. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!
I really love your website.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my very own website and would like to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Cheers!
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Thanks for supplying these details.
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I am hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal website now 😉
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner simply because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this issue here on your website.
That is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Best wishes! Exactly where are your contact details though?
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Take care! Where are your contact details though?|
Achieving your fitness goal does not need a certified personal trainer or an expensive gym membership, it’s not hard to exercise at home. It’s easy to go down a training and fitness rabbit hole, however, when you are looking for the best home exercise equipment to outfit your personal home gym.
Very good info. Lucky me I came across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!
Hello there, I do think your blog could be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, excellent site!
I was able to find good information from your articles.
Greetings! I’ve been reading your weblog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the good work!|
Having read this I believed it was really enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
Hello there! This blog post could not be written any better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
This web site truly has all of the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
I need to to thank you for this good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to look at new things you post…
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
May I just say what a relief to find someone that really understands what they are talking about on the net. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to check this out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you surely have the gift.
Hello there! I just would like to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got right here on this post. I’ll be returning to your website for more soon.
Good info. Lucky me I came across your website by chance (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
I noticed one of your pages have a 404 error.
I love reading your site.
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. kudos
Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Wonderful. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, let alone the content!
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re using? I’m having some small security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?