Oh snap, what do we have here?
It seems like Snapchat has themselves in a little pickle with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) over in the UK. Well, let me spill the tea for you!
Picture this, Snapchat introduces the cool My AI feature onto their app, but turns out the ICO isn’t quite buying it. The ICO have some concerns regarding the potential privacy risks in the app especially for the younger children. In other words, they believe that Snapchat jumped onto the AI bandwagon a little too quickly. I mean who can blame them? Companies such as Google and Amazon dived right in too!
The ICO believes that Snapchat didn’t quite hit the mark in identifying and assessing the risks. It’s like buying a new car for the road and not bothering to check whether it has any wheels. The ICO have given them a deadline that’s ticking like a Snapchat streak! Snapchat has until October 27th to come forward with their best arguments to the ICO. If they’re found guilty, there is a potential fine lurking in the shadows and let me tell you, this fine is juicy! It could be up to 4% of their global turnover or a maximum of £17.5 million. Yes, you heard that right! 4% may sound like nothing to you but for companies raking in billions, 4% is boatload of cash!
Now you may be asking, Benisa, what’s Snapchat doing about this? Don’t worry, they’re not just waiting around. Snapchat has been ‘closely reviewing’ the situation and believe that they have taken all the necessary steps required before releasing the feature onto their app.
Lawyers in the boardroom
Let’s explore the array of services lawyers can offer to those in similar situations.
Lawyers are here to provide their assistance with data protection audits and impact assessments for tech companies. It’s all about making sure those fancy new features comply with data protection rules, especially when minors are involved as the law has greater requirements when it comes to children.
If the ICO decide that Snapchat’s case is weak and they did in fact disregard potential privacy risks, lawyers will have to come to the rescue and help with their defence if any proceedings are brought against them.
Lawyers will be required to flip through all the tech contracts with third party providers. If any breach of contract allegations come to the surface, lawyers will be required to defend these claims or even pursue them on the third parties.
When companies are dealing with consumer data, they might find themselves riding the class action wave. Lawyers will be required to defend the company or bring the class action (depending on who’s side they’re on). Their mission for the company: defend them and keep their reputation sailing smoothly.
And there you have it. Can Snapchat snap back? Well, we will have to wait and see for ourselves. Snapchat’s privacy issues is a reminder of the challenges AI brings to the table. As AI becomes increasingly popular, law firms will have to use services to ensure that the balance between innovation and privacy remains intact and that our online adventures may continue with strong security.
Really interesting!
Love this style of blog, keep it up Benisa !