Using Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace: Data Protection Made Easy Podcast, Episode 192

On Friday, we hosted an engaging episode of the Data Protection Made Easy podcast on Using Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace. Joined by a live audience of over 150 data protection professionals, our hosts Jasmine Harrison, Joe Kirk, and Philip Brining brought their data protection expertise to a lively discussion on the potential risks and challenges that AI presents in today’s workplace.

While none of our hosts claim to be AI experts, they explored the practical implications of integrating AI responsibly, covering key legislation, new tools, and global standards. With a balanced perspective, they offered insights without scare tactics, engaging with an audience eager to better understand AI’s evolving role.

Highlights from Episode 192

News of the Week

Before diving into AI, our hosts kicked things off with their popular “news of the week” segment, where they discussed recent developments in data protection, cybersecurity, and compliance. From regulatory updates to emerging best practices, this segment set the stage for a thought-provoking main discussion.

Exploring AI’s Role in the Workplace

After covering current news, Jasmine, Joe, and Philip transitioned into the AI discussion, addressing some of the latest and most critical elements impacting AI’s role in data protection. Here’s a closer look at the three main topics they covered:

1. The EU AI Act
   The EU AI Act is a first-of-its-kind attempt at regulating AI across the European Union, aiming to ensure that AI development aligns with human rights and data protection principles. Our hosts unpacked how this legislation, although still in its draft stages, will place restrictions on high-risk AI applications, particularly those that involve personal data. They discussed the potential compliance challenges businesses might face, such as navigating AI bias and ensuring AI decisions remain fair and transparent. Although new and complex, the EU AI Act is shaping up to become a major milestone in global AI governance.
2. Microsoft Co-Pilot and Google Notebook
   AI tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot and Google Notebook have found their way into daily operations, streamlining processes from drafting content to assisting with administrative tasks. However, these tools bring data privacy challenges that data protection teams must address. The hosts highlighted how such AI-driven platforms collect, store, and process data, which could lead to unintended data exposure. With AI tools rapidly becoming workplace staples, Jasmine, Joe, and Philip explored practical ways organisations can limit data risk, maintain transparency, and respect user privacy without stifling innovation.
3. ISO/IEC 42001: AI Governance Standards
   The conversation then turned to ISO/IEC 42001, a proposed global standard for governing AI management systems, expected to offer a framework for responsible AI deployment. This standard aims to provide a set of best practices for ensuring AI is deployed with privacy, security, and ethical guidelines in mind. For organisations adopting AI technologies, ISO/IEC 42001 could serve as a valuable tool to implement data governance practices that are both ethical and compliant.

Reflecting on the Risks and Rewards of AI

In wrapping up, our hosts emphasised that AI in the workplace presents significant potential alongside its risks. They touched on a range of data protection considerations, from safeguarding personal data to maintaining accountability when using automated tools. Rather than instilling fear, Jasmine, Joe, and Philip encouraged the audience to look at AI as an opportunity for growth—provided it’s used with a strong commitment to data protection and ethical standards.

Listen to the Episode

Couldn’t make it to the live session? No problem! Listen to Episode 192 of Data Protection Made Easy on Spotify, Audible, or any major podcast platform. You’ll gain valuable insights and hear from fellow data protection enthusiasts as they share their views on AI’s impact on the workplace.

Subscribe and Join the Conversation

With AI evolving rapidly, we’re committed to keeping our audience informed. Tune into Data Protection Made Easy every Friday for the latest on data protection trends, regulatory updates, and expert discussions. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of our thriving community of data protection professionals!