In the realm of AI, the cultivation of customer confidence and trust should be put at the forefront together with the utmost importance on the protection of personal data rights, whilst allowing the innovative use of the technology. Unlocking the huge potential of AI analytics in a way that respects privacy principles and fosters an environment of trust is key to the success of any AI project. 

Mobile operators recognise the importance of ensuring customer trust and believe appropriately protecting customers’ personal data is critical to achieving these goals. A combination of legal and regulatory frameworks, internationally agreed approaches, and industry action define the safeguards that foster trust and secure personal data. This range of safeguards directly applies in the context of the AI for Impact initiative.

The GSMA and the mobile industry are committed to the advancement of responsible data practices.

The GSMA has developed a set of Mobile Privacy Principles which describe how mobile consumers’ privacy should be respected and protected when they use mobile applications and services that access, use or collect their personal data. The principles do not replace or supersede applicable law, but are based on recognised and internationally accepted principles on privacy and data protection. 

The GSMA has also developed the Mobile Privacy and Big Data Analytics: AI for Impact Considerations paper. This reflects core privacy considerations in the context of the Big Data for Social Good initiative, which is underpinned by the GSMA Mobile Privacy Principles.

This AI for Impact Considerations paper was adapted from the earlier GSMA paper entitled Mobile Privacy and Big Data Analytics (2017), which includes considerations intended to encourage good data privacy practices in the context of big data analytics. 

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic’s response, the GSMA published the Covid-19 Privacy Guidelines to promote adherence to international data protection best practice. These guidelines reflect recommendations on how the mobile industry can maintain trust while responding to governments and public health agencies requests for assistance during the pandemic. 

Additionally, while AI presents ground-breaking opportunities for individuals and businesses across the digital ecosystem, it also presents challenges, including questions about responsible and trustworthy use of data. The GSMA AI4I team recognises that ‘Trustworthy AI’ grounded in the right frameworks and principles, designed and deployed in a manner consistent with international human rights conventions, and supported through research, training and education, can lead to benefits for society and the global economy. The AI for Impact: AI Ethics Principles Paper provides principles that, when applied alongside existing laws and regulations, can help mitigate ethics and privacy risks.

These materials form part of a broader array of GSMA privacy resources and initiatives, which are described in detail in the following links: