In an era where technology rapidly reshapes the boundaries of privacy and innovation, understanding the intricate dance between AI regulation and data privacy becomes paramount. We explore critical domains with the expertise of Amy Worley, a distinguished figure in AI regulation and data privacy, currently making waves at Berkeley Research Group.
Amy Worley, described as a "data globe trotter," brings to the table an unparalleled depth of knowledge garnered from her extensive experience consulting across borders—from advising a foreign government in Holland on data privacy to guiding Fortune 500 companies through the labyrinth of data compliance, privacy, and ethics. With a background as the global chief privacy officer for a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device company, Amy's insights are at the forefront of shaping how we navigate the complexities of data in a digital age.
This episode unfolds the expected changes and challenges as the EU's new AI Act approaches its implementation. Amy elucidates how this act aims to foster innovation while safeguarding human rights, categorizing AI systems based on risk levels to balance progress with protection. Furthermore, we delve into the AI Pact's role in bridging the gap between current practices and future regulations, offering companies a collaborative platform to align with upcoming compliance requirements.
However, the data privacy landscape isn't just a concern of the future but a pressing issue of today. Amy sheds light on the stalled progress of data privacy regulation in the US, dissected by political divides yet animated by state-level initiatives crafting their laws in response. Despite these challenges, a bipartisan consensus emerges on the necessity to protect children's privacy online, hinting at possible avenues for legislative progress.
Staying abreast of these developments is no small feat. Amy shares her strategies for continuous learning and recommends essential readings and resources that offer broad overviews and deep dives into AI, privacy, and their societal impacts.
As we wrap up today's enriching dialogue with Amy Worley, we're reminded of the ongoing evolution of AI regulation and data privacy laws. The conversation highlights the complexities of navigating these changes and emphasizes the importance of informed engagement with these topics. But the discussion doesn't end here; we invite you to share your perspectives. How do these regulatory shifts impact you or your business? What steps are you taking to adapt and stay informed?
[00:00:00] Have you ever wondered how the rapidly evolving landscape of AI regulation and data privacy
[00:00:08] impacts not only our technology, but also our everyday lives?
[00:00:13] Now, today's episode of the Tech Talks Daily podcast is going to take a deep dive into
[00:00:20] this critical topic.
[00:00:22] I'm your host Neil C. Hughes to get started today. But now it's time to get Amy onto the podcast to talk about AI regulation and so much more. So buckle up and end up in a lot of trouble a few months down the line. So just to set the scene for our conversation today, are you able to offer a bit of an overview of the AI Act that was recently agreed upon by the European Union?
[00:03:00] And what some of those key rules and regulations that we can possibly expect that will come is the AI act isn't actually going to apply to a lot of what we think of as AI. So it is risk-based. And the idea behind the act in the recitals is to create a law that encourages innovation, encourages research, and encourages us to improve human lives with AI.
[00:04:21] So this is not an anti-AI law. What it does do though is say we have some basic human values, obligations and we can talk about this in a little bit, but that's going to be your generative AI and your foundational models. Lots of folks, I enjoyed your conversation with Paula the other day. A lot of folks are starting to use chat GPT or Bard or other AI tools to build their own tools. And so there's a lot of focus on those foundation systems.
[00:05:42] Are those safe, sound?
[00:05:45] That's where we're trying to share this burden and share this risk across the lifecycle. So I'm really positive about it. The last thing I will mention is this is the first time in my career that I've seen as
[00:07:02] much international cooperation. If we put these tests in place, do these tests meet your standards? Have a conversation and share common knowledge so that as guidance comes out as we start getting trained on how to implement these AI act, it'll be based on real life use cases.
[00:08:20] I think OpenAI, Microsoft, and others I'm really interested in is improving people's understanding of this so that they
[00:09:42] can make choices. Again, much more of a push toward almost radical transparency. The FTC recently came out in the US and said, you companies are not being direct and clear enough about your data collection practices, and that's unfair because people will then consent and they don't really understand what
[00:11:01] they're consent. And you mentioned a few moments ago that you are a tech optimist,
[00:11:04] but I suspect like all of us, you do, affect everybody. I do get concerned about large-scale data collection and using that to target
[00:13:27] Man, that's a conversation we could have at a pub for many hours. But I do think in the US, so the reason we're having trouble in the US is we have sort of two different models. We have what
[00:13:33] I would say to make it in EU terms like the directive model, we're going to establish a
[00:13:39] floor and the states can then do something more stolen. It wasn't until we started releasing social media and the full ramifications of social countries voting now on an act that's sort of popular. So I think that could influence federal policy eventually? MS. JANUARY Maybe. I will say I looked it up today. We're at 14 states. MS. JANUARY Wow, okay. MS. JANUARY So, and there are several more in the oven. So, what is hard about that? And I've
[00:17:41] been dealing with the patch direction of data privacy regulation
[00:19:03] across the tech industry? It seems there's a lot going on here, almost a bit of momentum building. those types of protecting children online, everybody agrees with that. And so I think we might see some federal coming together on that piece, like, okay, we all agree we're gonna protect children, and so it's possible that we'll see something there. But also the FTC, the Federal Trade Commission,
[00:20:22] has been very active.
[00:20:24] Director Khan has been really active, evolving. But before I let you go, I think for everybody listening, wherever they are in the world, there's this real pressure on everyone to be in this state of continuous learning. So a question I've got to ask is where or how do you self-educate to keep on top of these trends and on top of these changes that are continuously moving? It is. So I actually devote a specific
[00:21:41] time on Friday to read because there are by Kashmir Hill. I recommend that people take a look at that. We're dealing right now, there was a recent case in France about scraping the internet for photos. Well, I'm going to add all of those books to the Amazon Wishlist that we've got for everybody listening so people can check those out. At the end of our conversation, I must admit, you've sparked my curiosity with the book, Your Face Belongs to Us, so I'm going to be checking that out. But anyone listening just wants to find out more information about you, your work,
[00:24:23] contact your team, ask any questions. Where would you like to for joining me today. Really appreciate your time. Thank you for having me. I enjoyed it. Let's talk again at the end of the year. As we wrap up today's insightful conversation with Amy, I think it's clear that the landscape of AI regulation and data privacy is as complex as it is fascinating. We've delved into the
[00:25:40] nuances of the EU AI Act and the impact on innovation and human rights, the collaborative