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The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) has made a submission to the Information Regulator of South Africa. SAAIA is concerned around the use of data to train AI Models for the LinkedIn Platform without prior consent. The body is an industry association focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in South Africa,
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The association seeks to encourage stakeholders to adopt responsible AI for commercial and societal benefit of South African citizens. It’s primary focus is on economic growth, trade, investment, equality and inclusivity. It does this by uniting practitioners across commercial, government, academic, start-up and NGO sectors.
“The race to build new AI products and services is a global one but its impacts can also be local. We have been monitoring the breakneck speed of AI innovation as vendors and investors are spending huge sums of money to bring these new offerings to market, and while doing so, we are assessing if this is being done in a responsible manner,” said Dr Nick Bradshaw, the founder of SAAIA.
He added: “To this end, we feel it’s important that individuals and nation states must not be disadvantaged in both the short and long term. This is especially when it comes to how our personal data is being used to train the next generation of AI powered platforms and applications.”
LinkedIn’s use of South African users’ personal information
SAAIA Advisory Board member Nathan-Ross Adams who heads up regulatory affairs, stated, “Our letter of complaint to the Information Regulator is focused on LinkedIn’s use of South African users’ personal information. This is used to train its generative AI models in that:
- it does not meet the conditions for lawful processing under Chapter 3 of POPIA.
- In addition], their conduct likely constitutes interference with personal information as outlined in section 73 of POPIA; and
- given the significant public interest, requires investigation from the Information Regulator.”
Protecting rights of individuals in an age where data is currency
Adams added, “This is more than just a legal matter, it’s about protecting the rights of individuals in an age where data is currency. SAAIA’s mission is to ensure that as AI grows more powerful, it also grows more accountable.”
Bradshaw concluded, “The SAAIA mission is to engage society in this debate, be they citizens or governments, AI novices or AI experts. No one should be left behind in the race to embrace AI. It is of vital importance that the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence should have at their heart the principles of Responsible AI. It should not just benefit a select few. We will await the feedback from the Information Regulator of South Africa on this important matter.”
