Privacy professionals and policymakers are increasingly urging the development of a global baseline for privacy protection in the age of artificial intelligence. As AI systems process vast amounts of personal data, they raise unique challenges that many existing privacy laws were not designed to address. The article argues that inconsistent regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions make it difficult for organizations to comply, can leave individuals vulnerable, and hamper international data flows — especially when AI services operate across borders.
One of the core issues highlighted is the lack of a harmonized set of principles or baseline rules that would apply consistently across countries. Today, different regions take very different approaches to data protection, privacy rights, and how AI should be governed. This leads to legal uncertainty for businesses and confusion for individuals whose personal information may be protected in one jurisdiction but not in another, even when it is handled by the same AI system.
According to the piece, establishing a coherent baseline doesn’t mean everyone must adopt identical laws, but that common minimum standards — such as transparency, accountability, and robust privacy safeguards — should be widely recognized and enforced. Such a baseline could help ensure that AI systems respect core privacy rights globally and provide a clearer framework for international cooperation among regulators.
The article also stresses the role of privacy professionals in shaping these emerging norms and helping organizations implement responsible AI practices. These experts can help bridge the gap between evolving legal expectations and the technical realities of AI deployment, promoting greater trustworthiness and accountability in how personal data is used.
