Artificial Intelligence and the privacy paradox: risks, breaches and the future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way we live and interact with technology.

- DIPANKAR BHATTACHARYAY

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way we live and interact with technology. From chatbots to self-driving cars, AI systems now mimic human thinking, learning and decision-making. Behind these groundbreaking advances lies a hidden cost—our privacy. The very data that fuels AI's intelligence is harvested from the digital footprints we leave behind: every click, upload, download, swipe and voice command. This convenience-driven data collection opens the door to serious privacy concerns.

In a revealing paper titled "Rethinking Privacy in the AI Era," Stanford researchers Jennifer King and Caroline Meinhardt explained how these powerful systems can amplify privacy risks. AI does not just collect data; it does so at a massive, often on an invisible scale. The more advanced technology becomes, the harder it is for individuals to understand how their information is being used or misused. This lack of transparency contributes to a troubling reality: the smarter the AI gets, the more vulnerable users become.

How AI compromises our privacy

1. Data without consent: Many AI models scrape personal data from the internet without users knowing. Public resumes, social media posts and even sensitive health records can be quietly repurposed to train algorithms. There is little oversight, and individuals rarely get the chance to opt out.

2. Viral trends with hidden costs: The Ghibli-style AI trend, which turns user photos into animations, has a darker side. While the results may seem harmless and fun, such apps often collect facial features, geolocation and more, without clear consent. These images might end up training surveillance systems or feeding corporate databases. As the old saying goes, if it is free, you are the product.