Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection and User Rights in Social Networks and Video Platforms

IA e proteção de dados nas redes sociais: desafios e impactos para usuários

In the constantly evolving digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming ubiquitous in our lives. From the filters we use on social media to the algorithms that recommend videos, AI has revolutionized our interaction with technology. However, this innovation brings with it a series of challenges, especially regarding the protection of our personal data and rights as users.

The Social Media Dilemma and the LGPD

Social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and video platforms like YouTube are constantly developing new AI-based tools to enhance their services. These tools rely on vast amounts of data to function effectively. The central challenge is: how to use this data efficiently while respecting user privacy?

The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) in Brazil establishes strict rules on how companies can collect, use, and protect our personal data. It guarantees fundamental rights, such as:

1. Access to information that companies have about us

2. Correction of incorrect data

3. Request for deletion of our data

4. Understanding of how our data is used

Recently, we saw Facebook and Instagram, both from Meta, face problems in Brazil, having to suspend some of their AI services, such as sticker creation on WhatsApp, for not being in compliance with the LGPD. TikTok and YouTube also faced similar regulatory challenges, having to adjust their practices of collecting and processing data from Brazilian users.

Real Damages to Users on Social Networks

When Facebook and Instagram face compliance issues or poorly implement their AI systems, users can suffer significant consequences:

1. Unfair Account Suspension:

- Users may have their accounts suspended or terminated by automated AI decisions, often without clear explanation or possibility of immediate appeal.

- This can result in sudden loss of access to years of content and social connections.

2. Loss of Access to Personal Data:

- Account suspension can lead to loss of access to important photos, messages, and other personal data stored on these platforms.

3. Financial Losses for Digital Influencers:

- Influencers who depend on Instagram and Facebook for their income can suffer significant financial losses if their accounts are suspended or limited.

- Ongoing contracts with brands may be compromised, leading to possible contract breaches and loss of future opportunities.

4. Impact on Marketing Campaigns:

- Companies that invest in marketing campaigns on Facebook and Instagram may see their efforts hampered by misguided algorithmic decisions.

- Ads may be erroneously classified as inappropriate, leading to interruption of important campaigns and loss of investment.

5. Reputational Damage:

- Misguided AI decisions can incorrectly label content as inappropriate, affecting the online reputation of individuals and brands.

6. Privacy Violation:

- Misuse of personal data by AI systems on these platforms can result in privacy invasion and unauthorized exposure of sensitive information.

Impact on Video Platforms: TikTok and YouTube

Video platforms like TikTok and YouTube face unique AI-related challenges that can significantly affect content creators:

1. Erroneous Content Censorship:

- AI responsible for content moderation may erroneously classify videos as inappropriate or violating community guidelines.

2. Improper Video Deletion:

- Entire videos may be automatically deleted without adequate human review.

3. Harm to Promotion and Monetization:

- Misclassification of content can lead to demonetization of videos or entire channels.

4. Impact on Partnerships and Sponsorships:

- Content creators who have contracts with brands for promotion in their videos may face issues if the content is unfairly removed or restricted.

5. Damage to Growth Strategy:

- Erroneous AI intervention can harm growth strategies, affecting the reach and engagement of the channel.

6. Psychological Stress and Uncertainty:

- The constant concern about possible unfair removals or restrictions can cause significant stress to creators.

The Importance of Agility

Agility is crucial when dealing with problems on social networks and video platforms. Delay in seeking help can result in greater harm, such as loss of important data, irreparable damage to reputation, or significant financial losses. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek a specialist lawyer as soon as you identify any problem. Quick action can be the difference between efficiently resolving the problem or facing more serious consequences.

Conclusion

The relationship between AI, data protection, and user rights is complex but crucial for the future of technology. As users, we must be aware of our rights and prepared to act when these rights are violated. Companies, in turn, need to find ways to innovate while respecting user privacy and rights.

The path to a fair and equitable digital future requires not only technological advances but also a robust legal system and informed and active users. Only then can we enjoy the benefits of AI without compromising our digital security and fundamental rights.

If you encounter problems with your accounts on social networks or video platforms, remember that legal help is within your reach and can be crucial to ensuring that your rights are respected. Acting quickly can make all the difference in protecting your personal and professional interests in the digital environment.