Privacy, confidentiality and ethical concerns in audio ai assistants: A comparative study of North American, European, and Asian Markets

Peprah Owusu 1, Samuel Omokhafe Yusuf 2, *, Godbless Ocran 1, Enis Agyeman Boateng 3, Sylvester Obeng Krampah 3 and Adedamola Hadassah Paul-Adeleye 4

1 School of Business, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts, USA.
2 Independent Researcher, Massachusetts, USA.
3 Institute of Science and Technology for Development, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts, USA.
4 Independent Researcher, Alimosho, Lagos, Nigeria.
 
Review
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 13(01), 3023–3035.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.1.2002
Publication history: 
Received on 10 September 2024; revised on 20 October 2024; accepted on 23 October 2024
 
Abstract: 
This study examines the ethical, privacy, and confidentiality issues with audio AI assistants in the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia. Understanding the ramifications of data collecting, storage, and usage is crucial as the use of technologies like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa grows. The study highlights significant regulatory differences between the areas; North America offers a fragmented landscape, and many Asian nations are still developing their data protection legislation, while Europe leads with strong frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Key challenges identified include a lack of user awareness regarding privacy rights, extensive data collection practices, unauthorized listening, data breaches, and cultural differences influencing attitudes toward data protection. The findings reveal that these challenges impact user trust and hinder the responsible innovation of AI technologies. Recommendations for improvement include establishing global regulations to promote consistency in data protection, adopting best practices such as privacy-by-design principles, and enhancing user education initiatives. Additionally, the study identifies critical areas for future research, particularly the role of AI assistants in sensitive sectors like healthcare and education, where privacy concerns may differ significantly. Overall, this comparative analysis provides a foundational understanding of audio AI assistants' ethical landscape and underscores the importance of addressing these issues to foster a secure and trustworthy digital environment.
 
Keywords: 
Privacy; Confidentiality; Ethical Concerns; Data Protection; Regulatory Frameworks
 
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