Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how businesses work, from writing marketing content to analysing customer behaviour in seconds. But before you upload your company’s data into an AI platform, pause for a moment and ask: Do you really know what happens to that data once it’s entered?
AI and GDPR: What you need to know
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK, protects individuals’ personal data.
That includes any information that could identify a person, and in a business context, that means:
- Customer details such as names, email addresses, or purchase history
- Employee information, including payroll, home addresses, or performance records
- Supplier contact data or internal communications mentioning individuals
If you upload this kind of information to an AI tool, you could unintentionally be sharing personal data with a third party, possibly stored outside the UK or EU, which could lead to a GDPR breach.
A real example: in 2023, employees at a global company used an AI chatbot to summarise internal reports. They unknowingly entered confidential client data, which the chatbot’s provider later used to train its system. The ICO reminded businesses that they remain responsible for data protection, even when using AI.
The ICO’s advice: You’re still accountable
The ICO has made it clear: businesses can’t simply rely on AI providers to handle compliance.
You must ensure:
- The AI tool meets GDPR and ICO standards.
- A Data Processing Agreement is in place.
- Data isn’t transferred outside approved regions without safeguards.
- Individuals know how their data is being used.
Failing to do so risks fines, investigations, and loss of trust.
How Data Support Hub helps you stay safe
We make compliance simple through our platform, Data Compliance Pro, a complete solution that keeps your business in line with ICO and GDPR requirements.
Here’s how we help:
- Easy Setup: Our step-by-step interface captures all your key compliance information — no expertise needed.
- Document Generator: Automatically create and securely store privacy policies and other compliance documents, updated for the latest ICO guidance.
- Data Breaches & SARs: Manage incidents with built-in guidance and automatic progress tracking to avoid penalties.
- Integrated Training: Equip your team with online courses to build a real understanding of data protection.
- Data Compliance Rating: Track your live compliance score and demonstrate accountability to clients and partners.
Final thoughts
AI offers huge potential, but with great power comes responsibility. Before trusting it with your data, make sure you understand where that data goes and how it’s protected.
With Data Support Hub and Data Compliance Pro, you can embrace AI confidently, knowing your business stays compliant, secure, and trusted.