KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 24): Misuse of personal data and collection without consent are top artificial intelligence (AI) fears, according to the Telenor Asia Digital Lives Decoded (Malaysia) 2024 report. Almost six in 10 Malaysians worry about AI-integrated devices misusing personal data.

There are also concerns over the unethical use of AI by companies and governments as well as the spread of misinformation due to AI, states the report.

This is as technology is able to offer unprecedented convenience and connectivity, yet also raises concerns on privacy data security, said Kulani Kulasingam, privacy and compliance director at Telenor Asia.  

Additionally, two in three Malaysians take active steps to safeguard online activities but still feel they lack control over personal data, finds the report. Despite the benefits of technology, individuals are also concerned about their personal information being collected, shared and misused.

Thus, people are taking steps to protect their online privacy by clearing browsing history, unsubscribing from mailing lists and using private browsing modes amongst others, said Kulani.

The report further states that respondents believe the onus of responsibility does not solely lie in the hands of the users. 66% believe the responsibility falls onto the government, 56.8% with service providers and themselves at 47.1%.

Governments, service providers and individuals play a role in promoting responsible data handling and protecting user privacy, noted Kulani. Initiatives such as the General Data Protection Regulation are able to establish global standards for data privacy and accountability.

“The big question is, whose responsibility is this? The respondents are very clear in telling us that it does not lie on one person and it is more of a shared responsibility. It takes a village. Governments, service providers, private and public sectors collectively need to play a role,” said Kulani.

On its end, Telenor is taking a cautious approach to AI adoption by prioritising customer privacy and security. This is by ensuring that safeguards are put in place to protect customer information, adherence to strict privacy regulations and the development of internal guidelines for responsible AI use.

“As far as telcos are concerned today, they are the data custodians, they hold data stewardship, they are the ones actually being entrusted with data by the customers. [Telcos] are mindful of the guardrails by making sure the guardrails are preserved before even looking at AI tools and adoption,” said Kulani.