The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ghana has officially joined a global coalition of regulators to tackle the escalating privacy threats posed by artificial intelligence and synthetic media.
By endorsing the Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy, Ghana aligns itself with the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly to curb the unauthorised creation of digital likenesses.
This move comes at a time when the rapid evolution of AI tools has made it increasingly easy to generate lifelike images and videos of individuals without their consent.
The Commission expressed deep concern over the misuse of these technologies, specifically highlighting the rise of non-consensual intimate imagery and defamatory content.
According to the Commission, such digital abuses have become a primary focus for international authorities, especially where the safety of children and other vulnerable populations is compromised.
Under the new global framework, the DPC is calling on technology developers and organisations to adopt a “privacy by design” approach.
This includes the implementation of rigorous safeguards to prevent the exploitation of personal data and ensuring that the public is fully informed about how these AI systems operate.
Furthermore, companies are expected to provide clear and rapid channels for individuals to demand the removal of harmful content that features their personal information.
The Commission reminded all entities operating within the country that the deployment of AI must remain in strict adherence to the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).
“The Commission notes that the development and deployment of such technologies must be carried out in full compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) and other applicable regulatory frameworks in Ghana. Misuse of AI-generated content, particularly where it involves personal data or non-consensual depictions, may attract regulatory and legal consequences under Ghana’s data protection regime.”
Authorities warned that any misuse of AI-generated content involving personal data or non-consensual depictions will face legal and regulatory sanctions under the existing Ghanaian framework.
The DPC remains committed to strengthening its oversight of emerging tech through international cooperation and local stakeholder engagement.
“As part of its ongoing mandate, the Data Protection Commission will continue to strengthen oversight of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, through regulatory guidance, stakeholder engagement, and cooperation with international counterparts.”
The Commission urged organisations to conduct thorough privacy impact assessments before launching new AI tools.
“The Commission urges organisations to integrate privacy and data protection considerations into the design and deployment of AI systems from the outset, ensuring that technological advancement does not come at the expense of individual rights, safety, and dignity. Organisations are encouraged to conduct privacy impact assessments, implement data minimisation procedures, and ensure transparency with individuals regarding AI-generated content involving their data.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana