JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 15 October 2024 – The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) has raised concerns about LinkedIn’s use of personal data from South African users to train its AI models, without prior consent. This follows the organization’s formal complaint to the Information Regulator of South Africa, urging the regulatory body to investigate LinkedIn’s practices under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

SAAIA, which promotes responsible AI in South Africa, focuses on the benefits of AI across sectors, emphasizing ethical standards and transparency. Founder of SAAIA, Dr. Nick Bradshaw, expressed concerns about the rapid growth of AI technologies. He highlighted the need for responsible practices that safeguard the data of individuals, particularly as personal information becomes more integral to training generative AI systems.

“The global race for AI innovation must not disadvantage local communities and individuals,” Bradshaw said. “Our personal data is being used in ways that may not align with South Africa’s privacy laws, and this has both short and long-term consequences.”

The complaint, drafted by SAAIA’s regulatory affairs head Nathan-Ross Adams, points to three main issues with LinkedIn’s data practices: the lack of lawful processing under Chapter 3 of POPIA, potential interference with personal information under section 73, and the public interest in ensuring such practices are scrutinized by the Information Regulator.

Adams further noted that this issue is not just about legal compliance, but about protecting the rights of individuals in a data-driven world. He emphasized that SAAIA’s mission is to ensure that as AI advances, it remains accountable.

SAAIA awaits the response from the Information Regulator and continues to advocate for responsible AI that benefits all citizens. The organization also invites the public to participate in ongoing discussions about privacy, regulation, and AI at its upcoming AI Expo Africa 2024 conference.

For more information about SAAIA and their initiatives, visit the AI Expo Africa conference, held from 30-31 October at the Sandton Convention Centre.