IntelliCar has delved into the European smart car market, integrating cutting-edge tech features that promise enhanced safety and user experience. These innovations include facial and emotion recognition, temperature adjustments based on the driver’s state, and a ChatGPT-powered virtual assistant. While remarkable, such features also trigger a cascade of regulatory implications under EU law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the AI Act, and the EU Data Act.
Understanding GDPR Compliance for Smart Cars
With the GDPR, the focus is on the personal data collected by IntelliCar’s smart technologies. Facial recognition requires consent before collecting data to personalize the driving experience or to offer optional usage-based insurance. Interactions with the virtual assistant also generate personal data, further necessitating GDPR compliance.
Navigating the Complexities of the AI Act
The AI Act adds another layer of complexity, particularly with high-risk systems like facial and emotion recognition. IntelliCar must conduct risk assessments, document their findings, and possibly adjust their systems to adhere to stringent requirements. Additionally, the role of IntelliCar in implementing AI technology for insurance adjustments could have implications under the AI Act.
The Intricacies of the Data Act
The Data Act presents challenges in terms of data accessibility for users, stipulating that data must be comprehensively available. Trade secrets, however, could be protected under certain circumstances, potentially offering companies a loophole. The Act’s provisions on smart contracts, such as the mandatory kill switch, introduce further considerations for the execution and potential interruption of automated agreements.
