CNIL Plan for AI
The French Data Protection Authority (CNIL), also known as the AI Action Plan, released a statement on May 16, 2023, outlining its artificial intelligence policy. This strategy expands on the CNIL’s prior work in the field of AI and contains a number of projects targeted at encouraging the adoption of AI systems that respect people’s right to privacy.
The four key goals of the AI Action Plan are as follows:
Increasing awareness of AI systems and how they affect people: The newly created artificial intelligence service at the CNIL will place a high priority on addressing critical data protection issues related to the creation and use of AI applications. These problems include preventing illegitimate scraping of publicly accessible online data, securing user-transmitted data within AI systems and guaranteeing users’ rights over their data with regard to AI training datasets and created outputs.
Directing the creation of AI that respects privacy: The CNIL will publish guidelines and best practices on a variety of AI subjects in order to enable organizations engaged in AI innovation and to get ready for the eventual adoption of the EU AI Act. Along with advice for the creation of generative AI systems, this will include a thorough manual on the regulations governing data exchange and reuse.
Supporting creative actors in the French and European AI ecosystem: The CNIL prioritizes the defense of fundamental rights and freedoms in France and Europe while attempting to promote innovation within the AI ecosystem. The CNIL intends to issue a call for projects inviting participation in its 2023 regulatory sandbox as part of this endeavour. It also aims to promote more communication among academic groups, R&D facilities, and businesses engaged in the creation of AI systems.
The CNIL will create an auditing tool specifically made for assessing AI systems in order to conduct audits and ensure control over these systems. It will keep looking into AI-related grievances brought to its attention, especially those involving generative AI.