E033 - AI or Not - Debbie Reynolds and Pamela Isom

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.

What happens to your privacy once your data enters an AI system? Can you ever truly regain control? These questions take center stage as Pamela Isom welcomes back Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva," for a compelling conversation on the one-year anniversary of the AI or Not podcast.

Reynolds, CEO and Chief Data Privacy Officer of Debbie Reynolds Consulting, dives deep into the evolving landscape where privacy and artificial intelligence collide. She challenges us to consider whether privacy in AI is a myth, arguing that we must shift our perspective from focusing solely on data collection to understanding the complete lifecycle of our information. This paradigm shift becomes crucial as the traditional model of privacy protection, where individuals consent to sharing data in exchange for services, no longer captures the reality of how our information flows through modern systems.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Reynolds reveals how location data has recently been elevated to "sensitive data" status by the Federal Trade Commission. This reclassification, partly triggered by concerns about reproductive health privacy following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, represents a significant shift in how location information is regulated and protected. Reynolds explains differential privacy—a mathematical technique that adds "noise" to datasets to protect individuals while preserving statistical utility—and why it matters for everything from census data to medical research.

For organizations navigating the AI revolution, Reynolds offers practical wisdom about building effective AI teams. She advocates for Chief AI Officers with strong foundations in data management, privacy, and cybersecurity, emphasizing that multidisciplinary expertise is essential. As Isom highlights government guidelines for maintaining public trust in AI systems, Reynolds reinforces that innovation need not come at the expense of safety and privacy. Her parting advice resonates deeply: "Data is food for AI systems." Just as we care about what we eat, we must care about what data feeds our AI—and remember that human wisdom remains irreplaceable in distinguishing between AI-generated content that's helpful and that which is merely convincing but incorrect.

Join us for this thought-provoking exploration of trust, privacy, and responsible AI development. Subscribe to AI or Not for more insights from global business leaders on navigating the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.