Artificial intelligence is being used by hackers to mine unprecedented amounts of personal data from online sources, including commercial databases, to trick consumers into giving up control of their bank and corporate accounts.
According to Ashkan Soltani, executive director of the California Privacy Protection Agency, AI has made it easier for hackers to “weaponize” personal data, reducing overall security. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported nearly tripled losses from 2020 to 2023, with sensitive breaches increasing internet insecurity.
Recent Chinese government hacks and Russian ransomware gangs have exposed millions of Americans’ medical conditions and social security numbers. Artificial intelligence capabilities are expanding rapidly, making it easier for foreign spy agencies to vacuum up sensitive data, including military personnel’s personal details.
Regulators are taking action, with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposing rules to restrict the sale of personal data. California is also preparing to enforce a law requiring commercial data brokers to delete some data about consumers starting in 2026.
Former FTC technologist and widely recognized privacy expert Ashkan Soltani nearly fell for a phishing scam himself, highlighting the ease with which hackers can exploit people’s trust. The agency’s efforts aim to prevent similar horror stories, but critics argue that federal legislation remains elusive due to disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over what should be included in such laws.
As data mining continues to expose Americans to exploitation, experts warn that even national privacy regulations may have limited effect due to the vast amount of personal data available about many people. The California agency’s efforts aim to pave the way for a strong national privacy practice, but more work is needed to protect consumers from AI-driven data mining.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/03/privacy-hackers-cfpb-data-brokers