The role of artificial intelligence in the protection of personal data

The developments brought about by life in the age of technology have increased the flow and transfer of information and made access to personal data much easier than before. Although technological developments that facilitate people's lives are an undeniable fact, they have posed a serious threat in terms of interfering with the private lives of individuals. Over time, the importance of personal data has been recognised and the acquisition of this data has become the focus of many people in order to gain material or moral benefit. This situation has caused concern for the persons concerned, and due to the uneasiness, the need to make regulations regarding the protection of personal data and the rights of the persons concerned whose personal data are processed by others has arisen. One of the reasons why the necessity of protection of personal data is increasing day by day is artificial intelligence technologies, which are a current innovation of developing technology. The important issue for the use of such technologies is personal data. In addition, artificial intelligence systems, together with the personal data it contains, can perform many operations such as processing, storing, modifying and examining them in a very short time; in a large extent and in a functional way. However, in addition to the advantages provided by artificial intelligence technology, it also has disadvantages. Due to the fact that the systems brought by the technology in question are not sufficiently transparent and accountable, although it is necessary to ensure the audit and control of the systems and to announce this process, it is generally difficult to realise. Therefore, it is becoming more and more difficult to protect and preserve the data without violating the data, and to take the necessary measures with the technical infrastructure in accordance with the legal regulations. Since, the development of these systems and the realisation of an activity contrary to the data protection rules by using them for different purposes may cause the relevant individuals to face undesirable behaviours and consequences that are incompatible with human dignity. As such, artificial intelligence technologies that obtain and process a large amount of personal data are very likely to violate the right to protection of personal data and related rights. Although there are already regulations on data protection in relation to artificial intelligence technologies, they may not fully respond to the need and may be insufficient to meet the technical needs. There is also no regulation that directly addresses the harmonisation of artificial intelligence and the principles regarding the protection of personal data. Although the work on the subject continues, it is hoped that the new Artificial Intelligence Law, which deals with the activities of artificial intelligence regarding personal data in a more comprehensive manner compared to the existing regulations, will provide protection on the subject. Other existing studies have been criticised on the grounds that they do not examine the subject in detail, that they contradict other basic regulations, or that there is no connection point with these regulations, or that it is unclear whether a connection can be established. Although there are many different approaches to artificial intelligence systems, there is a need for new regulations that will harmonise with the current and existing approaches. In this study, the operation, application and use of artificial intelligence systems; the need for these systems during the use of personal data and the impact of legal regulations established in the national and international context as a result of this need on new technologies; the problems that occur in data-based activities in case of the use of these systems, and the evaluation of existing regulations are discussed. The rapid development of technology has increased the trust in data-driven processes, but has also brought to the agenda the necessity to re-evaluate the inadequacy of existing personal data regulations. This study aims to contribute to the ongoing discussions on the harmonisation and development of personal data regulations and practices in order to establish a balanced relationship between the personal sphere and the new world order in the digital age by addressing the concept of artificial intelligence, its function, areas of use, its place in the field of law and its importance in terms of personal data.