Artificial Intelligence (or AI) is growing in use by public bodies, but it poses some privacy concerns.

Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey says AI simply means that the computer program you are using is being told to learn things.

AI is also known as predictive learning, machine learning, big data analytics or even smart technology.

Michael Harvey says while he is not opposed to AI when it’s used to improve services, the concern is when public bodies use those systems to connect personal information to make decisions about us.

He says the right regulatory framework needs to be in place to keep it safe.

He says decisions based on your information can be made on whether or not you’re eligible for a program and how tax-payer dollars will be spent.