Kassait calls for ethical considerations, adoption of data protection principles in AI use

The Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, has called for ethical considerations and adoption of principles of data protection when processing personal data using Artificial Intelligence systems whose adoption continues to surge.

She highlighted that the use of AI systems should be ethical, transparent and responsible.

Speaking during the Law Society of Kenya  Annual conference, at a plenary session on data protection considerations when incorporating Artificial Intelligence in legal practice, Kassait acknowledged the various privacy challenges of using AI such as increased collection of personal data, lack of informed consent, and unauthorized use of data in pursuit of creating AI models.

Kassait called for prior assessment of the connection between the data processing phase and AI and whether the personal data is processed with the scope of the data protection laws.

“Before commencing any data Processing activity, we should assess the connection between the data processing phase and AI and whether the personal data is processed with the scope of the data protection laws.” Kassait said.

She further called for compliance with data subject rights, implementation of technical and organisational safeguards and conducting of  Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIAs ) where necessary.

Adding that: “It is important to ensure compliance with data subjects rights, implement technical and organisational safeguards and conduct Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIAs ) where necessary.”