Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched a statutory investigation into Google’s AI model, focusing on the company’s compliance with GDPR obligations. This probe addresses whether Google conducted the required Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) when using personal data from European Union (EU) citizens in the development of its artificial intelligence tools.
The inquiry centers on Google’s Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2), which is a sophisticated AI model used for various purposes, including natural language processing. At the core of the investigation is the potential risk to individuals’ privacy, particularly whether the use of personal data in developing this technology adheres to GDPR requirements.
The DPC emphasized the necessity of assessing the privacy impact before processing any personal data that could lead to high-risk outcomes. This ensures that individuals’ rights and freedoms are adequately protected. The Irish regulator’s investigation is part of its broader mandate to oversee data processing activities with cross-border implications, as many major tech companies, including Google, have established their EU headquarters in Ireland.
In this specific case, the DPC is examining whether Google sufficiently addressed the privacy risks posed to EU citizens before deploying AI systems that rely on their personal data. As Google continues to expand its AI capabilities, concerns about data handling and protection are becoming more prominent, drawing increasing attention from regulators worldwide.
