UK

UK watchdog warns chatbot developers over data protection laws

  • 03. Apr 2023. 21:31
  • By The EU Times
Latest Articles
Christmas Gifts for a Man OCD is so much more than handwashing or tidying. As a historian with the disorder, here’s what I’ve learned There’s no norovirus outbreak in the UK – so why is a sharp rise in patients being reported? This 17th-century portrait was given plumper lips years after it was finished – an expert explains why Holocaust comparisons are overused — but in the case of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel they may reflect more than just the emotional response of a traumatized people Seven original 1970s skateparks that show why these urban treasures should be protected Ukraine recap: western divisions an ominous sign for Kyiv as the aid funding tap begins to dry up Climate ‘tipping points’ can be positive too – our report sets out how to engineer a domino effect of rapid changes Boris Johnson at the COVID inquiry: sullen, evasive and a danger to democracy How bird feeders help small species fight infection

UK watchdog has warned chatbot developers that they must comply with data protection laws or face the consequences.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has warned that firms developing chatbots must ensure that they comply with data protection legislation when using people's data.

The warning comes as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbot technology is increasing in the UK.

The ICO said that the use of chatbot technology can be beneficial to businesses, but warned that any data collected and stored must be done so in accordance with the law.

The ICO's Deputy Commissioner, Steve Wood, said: “Chatbots are becoming commonplace and are increasingly being used to provide services to customers. However, as with any use of personal data, there are data protection rules that must be followed.

“Firms must be aware of the data protection rules and make sure they are taking steps to comply with them. This includes ensuring that the data being collected is necessary, that it is kept secure and that it is not used for any purpose other than the one for which it was collected.

“We would urge firms to take this opportunity to review their use of chatbot technology and make sure they are taking steps to comply with data protection law.”

The ICO warned that failure to comply with the data protection legislation could lead to enforcement action, including fines.

The warning comes as the UK government is preparing to launch its AI sector deal, which will invest in the development of AI and chatbot technology.

The ICO's warning serves as a reminder that, as the use of AI and chatbot technology grows, so too must the protections that are in place to protect people's data.