Snap AI Chatbot Scrutinized by UK Watchdog Over How It Processes Kids’ Data

The British data privacy authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has issued a preliminary enforcement notice against Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, for potentially failing to adequately assess the privacy risks posed by its generative AI chatbot feature called "My AI." The ICO noted that the risk is particularly significant because the chatbot processes the data of children between the ages of 13 and 17. The enforcement notice could require Snap to stop processing data connected to "My AI" in the UK until it properly assesses the risks. Snap has stated that it is reviewing the ICO's decision and is committed to protecting user privacy. The ICO says it will carefully consider Snap's response before issuing a final enforcement notice.