UK Watchdog Warns of Potential Privacy Issues with Snapchat’s AI Chatbot for Kids

Britain’s data watchdog stated on Friday that Snapchat may not have adequately evaluated the privacy risks posed to children by its AI chatbot. The watchdog mentioned that it would review the company’s response before reaching a final decision on enforcement.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said that if the US company does not adequately respond to the regulator’s concerns, “My AI”, launched in April, could be banned in the UK.

“The preliminary findings of our investigation suggest that Snap failed to adequately identify and assess privacy risks to children and other users before launching the ‘My AI’ program,” Information Commissioner John Edwards said.

The findings do not necessarily mean that the instant messaging app used by younger people has breached UK data protection laws or that the ICO will end up issuing an enforcement notice, the regulator said.

Snap said it is reviewing the ICO announcement and is committed to user privacy.

“My AI went through a robust legal and privacy review process before it was made publicly available,” a Snap spokesperson said. “We will continue to work constructively with the ICO to ensure they are satisfied with our risk assessment procedures.”

The ICO is investigating how ‘My AI’ handles the personal data of Snapchat’s approximately 21 million UK users, including children aged 13 to 17.

“My AI” is powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the best-known example of generative AI that policymakers worldwide are looking for ways to regulate in light of privacy and security concerns.

Social media platforms, including Snapchat, require users to be at least 13 years old, but have been successful in keeping children off their platforms.

Reuters reported in August that the regulator is collecting data to determine whether Snapchat is doing enough to remove underage users from its platform.

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