On October 25 and 27, 2021, two events took place to disseminate the results of the project „AI-Trans: Increasing AI Transparency Through Digital Alternative Learning of Privacy Training”. Host was the Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski”, which is a partner of the Commission for Personal Data Protection in the implementation of the project. The AI Trans project aims to launch a discussion on the topic of personal information in societies and economies where artificial intelligence is increasingly used. The team offers a systematic review of vulnerable sectors and typical risks, as well as European initiatives to introduce regulation as a necessary protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The two events were entitled „Public Challenges in Personal Data Protection in the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies”. In modern life, people use dozens of types of electronic devices (phones, tablets, „smart bracelets”, watches, toys, household appliances and many others), which are equipped with sensors and programs and exchange data over the Internet. Often this is a huge array of sensitive information that becomes available to „third parties” whose main business is built on the commercial exploitation of this invisible array. This is a deeply immersed iceberg with unclear dimensions, which carries great risks and raises serious ethical questions. Systems that store data can be subject to malicious hacking. Information leakage is also possible as a result of errors. This makes possible the abuse by unscrupulous traders, governments, corporations or other „agents" with access. In addition, information arrays make it possible to operate powerful computing machines made up of multiple artificial neural layers. Today, such machines are increasingly entrusted with important decisions concerning various aspects of human life. This is a serious dilemma between the benefits and harms of empowering the „thinking machine”.
The focus of the two events was the use of technologies based on artificial intelligence as a problem for the protection of personal data. Topics of the presentations were „The AI Trans project and the European regulation for personal data protection. About the project AI Trans”, „Artificial intelligence and personal information: sectors of impact and types of risks”, „Medical and fitness devices: opportunities and threats”, „Social networks and search engines – artificial intelligence and risks associated with the use of personal data”, „Artificial intelligence or why “smart” machines cannot replace man in education”. Speakers at both events were representatives of the Commission for Personal Data Protection, Libre Foundation and Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski”.
The „AI-Trans: Increasing AI Transparency Through Digital Alternative Learning of Privacy Training” project under Key Activity 2: „Strategic Partnerships under the Erasmus + Program” and contract number 2019-1-BG01-KA204-062588 is implemented with the joint efforts of The Commission for Personal Data Protection (project coordinator), Sofia University and the University of Lodz as well as the non-governmental organizations GVMAS – Italy, LIBRE – Bulgaria and Privacy Research Association – Moldova. Project duration is 26 months and its cost is EUR 115,653.
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