Google’s AI-Driven Fingerprinting Raises Privacy Alarm

Fingerprinting is a technique that involves sophisticated data processing to uniquely identify and track users, which fits the definition of an AI system's use in data-driven profiling and tracking. The event involves the use of this AI-enabled tracking method leading to violations of user privacy and potentially breaches of data protection rights, which are human rights under applicable law. Since the tracking is actively occurring and has led to concerns about loss of user control and privacy violations, this constitutes an AI Incident under the framework, specifically a violation of human rights and privacy protections. The article reports on the realized use and its direct impact, not just potential future harm or complementary information.

Fingerprinting is an AI-related technique involving complex data processing to uniquely identify users, which is a form of AI system use. The article highlights that Google's deployment of this method leads to privacy violations and lack of user control, constituting a breach of fundamental rights. Since the harm (violation of privacy rights) is occurring due to the use of this AI-enabled tracking system, this qualifies as an AI Incident under the framework's definition of violations of human rights or breach of obligations intended to protect fundamental rights.

The article explicitly describes fingerprinting as a technique involving AI or algorithmic methods to identify users persistently online, which fits the definition of an AI system. However, it does not document any realized harm such as privacy violations or data breaches directly caused by fingerprinting, nor does it describe a specific event where harm was narrowly avoided. Instead, it discusses the potential risks, regulatory challenges, and societal debates around the technology, including Google's policy changes and privacy advocates' concerns. This aligns with the definition of Complementary Information, as it provides context, analysis, and updates on AI-related privacy issues without reporting a new incident or hazard.