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In today's digital age, our voices and images have become integral parts of our online presence, a subject that has recently gained attention due to unforeseen circumstances. The unintentional use of dubbing artist Alena Andronova's voice in advertising for bookmakers and adult games has sparked a much-needed conversation on the legislative protection of personal information in Russia. In this article, we delve into the broader issues surrounding digital privacy and the steps being taken to protect it.

Sharenting: A Double-Edged Sword

The Western world has introduced us to a new term - 'sharenting.' This portmanteau of 'parents' and 'sharing' describes the act of parents sharing images of their children on social media. While it's a delightful way for parents to celebrate their little ones' milestones, it comes with concerns. For every child under the age of five, up to a staggering one and a half thousand images accumulate on the social networks of their relatives. The question of privacy and consent looms large, especially for children who are too young to provide it themselves.

Digital Footprints: A Conundrum

Have you ever noticed that prominent figures in the tech world, like Mark Zuckerberg and privacy advocate Edward Snowden, seldom share images of their children online? This cautious approach underscores the significance of safeguarding our digital footprints, as even seemingly innocent posts can have far-reaching consequences.

Artificial Intelligence and Vulnerabilities

This summer, Deutsche Telekom, Europe's largest telecommunications company, unveiled a thought-provoking social campaign. They used the data of a specific family to manipulate the image and voice of a nine-year-old girl, demonstrating the vulnerabilities of children's digital galleries. The underlying message was clear, even if not explicitly stated: concerns about predators and malicious actors.

Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in this scenario. Technologies like Deep Fake allow for the manipulation of images and videos, while Deep Voice can convincingly mimic voices. Sadly, these technologies have been exploited by fraudsters who use them to impersonate loved ones in distress, seeking financial assistance.

Legal Safeguards and Legislative Initiatives

Recognizing the growing importance of safeguarding personal information, the Federation Council in Russia has embarked on the development of legislation to protect voices and images as forms of personal data. This initiative reflects the gravity of the issue, posing a fundamental question: Is losing one's voice or losing one's wallet the greater pain?

As our digital world continues to evolve, so do the threats and vulnerabilities associated with our personal information. Safeguarding our voices and images is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The steps taken by governments and organizations to protect our digital identities will significantly impact our privacy and security in the digital era.

In conclusion, the unintentional use of Alena Andronova's voice in advertisements serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of digital privacy and personal data protection. It is up to us as individuals and societies to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly, ensuring our voices and images remain our own in this ever-changing digital world.

Sun Oct 22, 2023