Research highlights AI as major data privacy threat for developers

Research conducted by Zama, a Paris-based deep tech cryptography firm specialising in Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), highlights a concerning trend in cybersecurity and data privacy. The study, which surveyed more than 1,000 developers from the UK and the US, revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly seen as a significant threat to data privacy. The findings have emerged as part of Zama's broader investigation into evolving cybersecurity risks.

Cybercrime remains the predominant threat, with 55% of developers identifying it as their primary concern. However, the survey highlighted that 53% of developers now view AI as an equally substantial risk. This development underscores the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their potential for misuse by cybercriminals. As AI becomes more advanced and accessible, its potential exploitation raises serious concerns about future data privacy.

The survey was conducted by Research Without Barriers (RWB) between 9th January 2024 and 8th February 2024, encompassing a sample of 1,098 developers—571 from the UK and 527 from the US. The research aimed to capture developers' insights on privacy, regulatory frameworks, and the implications of emerging technologies.

Among the key findings, an overwhelming 98% of developers stressed the need for preemptive measures to mitigate future privacy threats. Additionally, 72% of respondents believe that current regulations are inadequate to address future challenges, while 56% expressed concerns that static regulatory structures could pose threats as technology evolves. Moreover, 30% of developers believe that regulators lack sufficient knowledge about emerging technologies, potentially endangering future technological advancements.

Pascal Palier, CTO and Co-founder of Zama commented on the findings, stating, “Despite cybercrime expected to surge in the next few years to the cost of trillions, 55% of developers we surveyed in our research stated that they feel cybercrime is only ‘marginally more of an issue’ than the threat to privacy that AI will pose. We have seen from our work that many developers are the real champions of privacy in organisations and the fact that they have some legitimate concerns about the privacy of our data, in relation to the surge in AI adoption, is a real worry.”

Palier further emphasised the need for effective regulatory frameworks that can evolve alongside technological advancements. He highlighted the role of Privacy Enhancing Technologies such as Fully Homomorphic Encryption in safeguarding user data while allowing innovation to flourish. “It’s important not to underestimate the very real threat highlighted by the experts who are thinking about protecting privacy every day and make sure upcoming regulations address the increased risks to users’ privacy,” he added.

The survey also revealed a significant gap in regulators' knowledge of emerging technologies, with 17% of developers indicating this could threaten future technological innovations. This concern aligns with the broader sentiment among developers that privacy must be at the forefront of new technological developments.

The findings from Zama's research call for urgent action from regulators and policymakers to address the dual threats of cybercrime and AI misuse.