How the clone wars might soon affect the use of generative AI

By Kevin Shepherdson 

If you haven't followed the Clone Wars in the Star Wars movie series, it is about a large-scale conflict fought between the Galactic Republic and the Separatist Alliance, which was secretly orchestrated by the Sith Lord, Palpatine.

The Clone Wars ultimately led to the fall of the Republic, the rise of the Galactic Empire, and the near-extinction of the Jedi Order.

Back here on Earth, regulators have already targeted the tech “empire”, with numerous cases involving privacy breaches and data mishandling. However, this battle is not limited to tech giants alone.

Clone Apps, like the agile and resourceful factions in the Clone Wars, have also been caught in the crossfire. Startups with AI apps, such as ClearView AI, Didi, FaceApp, and Meitu, to name a few, have faced scrutiny and even legal consequences for their data handling practices.

For example, the French data privacy watchdog CNIL ordered U.S.-based Clearview AI, a facial recognition start-up that has collected 10 billion images worldwide, to stop amassing and using data from people based in France.

The regulator stressed that Clearview's collection of publicly available facial images on social media and the Internet had no legal basis and breached the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Another example is FaceApp, a popular photo-editing app that uses AI to apply filters and change facial features. The startup faced scrutiny over its privacy policy and data handling practices in 2019. Concerns were raised about the extent of data collection and whether the app was sending user data to external servers, potentially exposing users' privacy.

Similar cases are likely to occur, and amendments to the EU’s upcoming AI Act will soon apply to generative AI.

This is Part Three of our series on generative AI apps - click to read Part One and Part Two.

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Clone wars to intensify as Tech Empire expands reach and influence

While regulators focus on the broader tech empire, corporate users must also be vigilant about the potential risks associated with Clone Apps. These smaller players might not have the same level of expertise or resources to ensure robust privacy and security measures, making them vulnerable to breaches and unethical practices.

It is crucial for corporate users to be aware of these potential pitfalls and conduct due diligence before sharing their data with any generative AI service providers, whether part of the tech empire or a Clone App.

Recently, it was reported that Samsung's semiconductor division allowed engineers to use ChatGPT, but Samsung employees accidentally shared confidential information while using ChatGPT for help at work. For example, confidential source code was shared in the chat to check for errors, which was against their corporate policy.

In the current battle to preserve data privacy by the regulators, the Clone Wars serve as a stark reminder that even smaller players can pose significant risks. And the war will also be fought to ensure ethical and response use of generative AI.

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Beware of sharing corporate data when using AI tools and services

To conclude here are a few metaphors for you to consider when sharing corporate data with a generative AI provider:

1. Hidden agendas: Just as Palpatine secretly manipulated both sides of the Clone Wars, organisations should be cautious of Clone App providers with hidden motives, such as prioritising profits over user privacy.

2. Rapid escalation: The Clone Wars saw the rapid expansion of armies and accelerated conflict. In the AI market, the rapid growth of Clone Apps and competition can lead to cutting corners in terms of privacy and security measures.

3. The fall of an established order: The Clone Wars resulted in the collapse of the Republic and the Jedi Order. Similarly, the rise of Clone Apps could disrupt established businesses if they fail to adapt and prioritise data security and privacy.

4. Unforeseen consequences: The Clone Wars had far-reaching consequences that impacted the entire galaxy. Organisations should be aware that sharing data with Clone App providers without proper due diligence may lead to unintended negative consequences for their customers and businesses.

Remember, don’t let your corporate data be caught in between the Clone Wars of generative AI. Keep data security and privacy at the forefront.

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