The BIG ERA Chair holder, Luis Caires, has recently published an opinion article in Portuguese national media about the usage of private data to build AI models such as ChatGPT. Luis Caires’ article explores the global impact of the information revolution and smartphone proliferation. It discusses the virtualization of critical assets, particularly in banking, emphasizing the risks of information theft in the era of open internet banking. The author highlights recent developments, including the free release of AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard by OpenAI and Google and the ensuing legal disputes over data usage. The misuse of personal data for marketing or political purposes, as seen in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, is noted.
Caires stresses the shift in perceiving information as a tangible, tradable asset, necessitating ethical considerations. The concentration of internet services in the hands of a few tech giants is discussed, with a call for legislation and education to balance progress with humanistic digital values, democracy, ethics, inclusion, and accountability. The article advocates for technical solutions that promote decentralized, transparent, and collaborative services, mentioning the importance of open-source development and blockchain technology. In conclusion, it urges a balanced approach to navigate the challenges posed by the evolving digital landscape while upholding universal principles of law and ethics.