Privacy protection is 'more critical than ever' as many AI systems process personal data
Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne joined the G7 Data Protection and Privacy Authorities (DPA) Roundtable in Rome, where discussions focused on regulating AI, protecting privacy, and fostering international collaboration.
In a joint communiqué, the G7 privacy authorities emphasized that privacy protection is “more critical than ever" as many AI systems process personal data. The group underscored the need to integrate data protection measures into AI technologies from the outset, stressing the importance of ensuring privacy in the rapidly advancing field of AI.
Commissioner Dufresne highlighted the significance of international collaboration to address the growing privacy concerns associated with AI. "With the rapid evolution of data-dependent technologies, we must work together across borders to develop a unified approach towards addressing the privacy implications of these technologies," Dufresne stated. He also emphasized that the G7 roundtable provides a valuable platform for defining key issues and developing common strategies that promote innovation while safeguarding privacy rights.
Two significant statements were issued during the roundtable, both aligning with Commissioner Dufresne’s strategic priorities for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC).
The first statement focused on fostering trustworthy AI, highlighting the need to embed data protection in the design and deployment of AI technologies. The G7 authorities called on policymakers to include privacy regulators in the governance structures that oversee the development of AI to ensure responsible and ethical use.
The second statement addressed child-appropriate AI, developed by the G7 DPA Roundtable’s Emerging Technologies Working Group, chaired by the OPC. This statement tackled privacy concerns related to the use of AI by children, including toys and educational software powered by AI, and the role of AI in making decisions about children’s personal data.
As chair of the Emerging Technologies Working Group, the OPC also led the development of a paper clarifying the definitions of terms such as anonymization, pseudonymization, and de-identification across G7 jurisdictions. These clarifications aim to ensure consistent approaches to privacy protection globally.
The G7 data protection authorities also endorsed an action plan for 2024-2025, committing to enhanced international cooperation to address privacy challenges posed by new technologies.
The meeting in Rome marked the fourth G7 DPA Roundtable since its establishment in 2021 under the UK presidency. The next roundtable will take place in June 2025, when Canada assumes the presidency and hosts the gathering in Ottawa.
