AI assistants functioning on your smartphone potentially operate with implied, rather than explicit, consent.
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of Africa, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly prominent, with AI assistants embedded in the apps and devices that Africans rely on daily. As AI gathers and sometimes continuously harvests user data, even when the app is not in use, it is crucial for users to understand their rights, protect their data, and demand transparency.
African governments are taking steps to address this issue by implementing regulations to control AI data collection. For instance, countries must ensure that AI systems are designed to reduce bias and comply with local data protection laws, such as those being developed in various African countries. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Nigeria and the Data Protection Act in Kenya are steps towards addressing data privacy, but more needs to be done.
For users, exercising control over AI data collection involves several strategies. Firstly, users should choose apps that are transparent about data collection practices and offer options to control data sharing. Regularly reviewing and adjusting app permissions and privacy settings to limit data access is also essential. Using encrypted communication platforms and devices or apps that allow data to be stored locally rather than on cloud servers can further protect personal data.
Technological solutions also play a role, with AI-powered privacy tools that can detect and block unauthorized data collection proving invaluable. However, users must also be vigilant about what data is being collected, how it is being used, and what is being withheld from them. AI literacy is crucial for users in Africa to understand the capabilities, data collection, and permissions of AI.
Awareness and education are key to empowering users. Public awareness campaigns about data privacy rights and the importance of controlling AI data collection are necessary. Supporting initiatives that promote responsible AI practices and advocating for stronger data protection laws are also essential steps.
Collaboration with authorities is another important aspect. If unauthorized data collection is suspected, users should report it to local authorities or data protection agencies. Engaging in public consultations on AI regulations to ensure user perspectives are considered is also crucial.
However, the enforcement of data privacy is patchy in some African countries, with public awareness and implementation remaining low in places like Kenya. Candice Grobler, community marketing strategist and a founder of Candid Collab, notes that it is difficult for users to understand what AI assistants in apps are doing with their data due to unclear terms of service.
Tech companies, both local and global, must also respect African users and their data. Companies prioritize profitability over user control in AI systems, often gathering data without explicit consent from users. Zenzele Ndebele, a director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE), states that consumers are not in control of AI introduced in their gadgets.
Meta, for example, states that messages sent to its AI assistants "may be used to improve AI," but the practical implications of this are unclear. Nyambura Kogi, Chairperson of the Association of Women Commercial Drivers of Kenya, is experiencing issues with her phones' AI assistants, highlighting the need for more transparency and control.
African governments must move beyond rhetoric and establish robust, user-centric data laws. Ndebele urges African governments to prioritize data protection laws and monitor how tech collects and uses data. By combining these strategies, users in Africa can better manage AI data collection and advocate for more robust regulatory frameworks.
- African startups can play a significant role in the innovation of AI-powered privacy tools, helping users control their data and ensure compliance with local data protection laws.
- To foster financial inclusion and personal-finance management in Africa, it's vital for AI technology to be used responsibly, with a focus on transparency, user control, and data protection.
- Educational platforms and self-development resources can help increase AI literacy amongst Africans, enabling them to make informed decisions about the access and use of their personal data in AI systems.
- The relationship between AI and education extends beyond the classroom, as AI can be employed to analyze learning patterns and offer personalized educational content, but only with the user's full understanding and consent.
