Prioritise Privacy and Data Protection in Deployment of AI- Organisations Told

The Data Protection Commission, Ghana, has encouraged organisations to exercise responsible design and deployment of AI systems by integrating privacy and data protection considerations.

The Commission affirmed in a press statement that technological advancement must not come at the expense of individual rights, safety, and dignity.

“Organisations are encouraged to conduct privacy impact assessments, implement data minimisation procedures, and ensure transparency with individuals regarding AI-generated content involving their data. “

This comes after the Commission joined other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy, issued under the coordination of the Global Privacy Assembly’s International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG).

The Joint Statement highlights the increasing misuse of AI systems to create non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful material, particularly affecting children and other vulnerable groups.

It also outlines key expectations and fundamental principles for all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems, including:
* Implement robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal information and the generation of non-consensual intimate imagery and other harmful materials, particularly where children are depicted.

* Ensure meaningful transparency about AI system capabilities, safeguards, acceptable uses, and the consequences of misuse.

* Provide effective and accessible mechanisms for individuals to request the removal of harmful content involving personal information and respond rapidly to such requests.

* Address specific risks to children through implementing enhanced safeguards and providing clear, age-appropriate information to children, parents, guardians, and educators.

In its statement, the Commission noted that the development and deployment of such technologies must be carried out in full compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) and other applicable regulatory frameworks in Ghana.

It warned that the misuse of AI-generated content, particularly where it involves personal data or non-consensual depictions, may attract regulatory and legal consequences under Ghana’s data protection regime.

“As part of its ongoing mandate, the Data Protection Commission will continue to strengthen oversight of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, through regulatory guidance, stakeholder engagement, and cooperation with international counterparts.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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