Blog

NEXT Frontier: Understanding Private Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Written by NEXTDC. | Apr 8, 2024 6:55:39 AM

Listen to our Blogcast online

Introduction

In a world where AI plays a significant role, keeping data safe is crucial. That's where Private AI comes in. It's all about protecting both data and the AI models themselves. How? By using smart techniques like differential privacy and encrypted computation, Private AI ensures that information stays safe within AI systems. This means businesses can train their private models using their own data without worrying about it getting out. Private AI strikes the perfect balance between privacy and progress. It's quickly gaining traction worldwide, with businesses and governments taking notice. So, let's dive into Private AI together and see how it's changing the game!

To stay updated on future articles, connect with NEXTDC via LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, for more insightful discussions and content.

The Protective Strength of Private AI

Private AI serves as a protective shield against data vulnerabilities in the digital realm, distinctly differing from its public counterpart.

Organisations, feeling the pressure to swiftly adopt AI, often turn to large public cloud providers for their abundant resources and tools. These providers offer extensive computing power, storage capacity, and pre-built services to support AI development and deployment.

However, a significant drawback looms over this convenience: the risk to data privacy. These providers may use customer data to train their algorithms, raising concerns, especially in industries bound by stringent privacy regulations.

As a result, many organisations hesitate to share sensitive data with public providers, fearing potential data breaches or inadvertently aiding competitors. This cautious approach underscores the importance of clear privacy parameters and careful consideration when integrating AI into organisational workflows.

Unlike public AI models, private AI places utmost importance on data security, protecting against unauthorized access and intellectual property breaches – crucial concerns for government and enterprise navigating the complexities of digital security.

Private AI essentially offers a tailored approach, customised to suit the unique requirements of each organisation. It empowers enterprises to train models using their internal data, safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes and potential competitors. By focusing on specific domains or trusted data sources, Private AI ensures accuracy and reliability in specialised applications, enhancing its appeal in industry-specific niches.

At its core, Private AI embodies a philosophy of data ownership and control, providing a sanctuary for organisations wary of relinquishing their digital assets to external entities. Unlike the "your data is our currency" mantra of some AI providers, Private AI refrains from data sharing or external model fine-tuning, preserving organisational sovereignty over its data kingdom.

As the digital landscape evolves, organisations are increasingly recognising the value of Private AI in fortifying their data defences and preserving their digital sovereignty. It heralds a shift towards a more personalised, secure, and accountable approach to AI deployment, ensuring that organisations can navigate the complexities of digital innovation with confidence and peace of mind.

Exploring the Paths to Private AI models?

Exploring the world of AI model creation presents a range of options, each offering distinct advantages and considerations. Determining the most suitable method of Private AI depends on numerous factors. Seeking guidance from an expert can help navigate this decision-making process effectively.

 
1. In-House Development: Organisations can assemble internal teams comprising data scientists, engineers, and software developers to build and maintain AI models. This approach offers full control and customisation but requires substantial investment in talent and infrastructure.
 
2. AI Development Platforms: Leveraging platforms like NVIDIA, Dell, and HPE provides tools and infrastructure to streamline AI model development. While sacrificing some customisation, these platforms offer convenience and cost-effectiveness. 
 
3. Outsourcing: Some opt to outsource AI development to specialised firms. This accelerates development but requires careful vendor selection and ongoing collaboration.
 
4. Academic Collaboration: Partnering with academic institutions grants access to research and talent but may involve longer timelines and intellectual property considerations.

Comparison of Public and Private AI

When considering AI implementation or leveraging AI solutions, understanding the disparities between public and private AI is crucial. These distinctions determine the suitability of AI solutions for your organization's needs and help avoid potential risks or data breaches.

 

Aspect

Private AI

Public AI

Usage

Restricted usage with stringent controls

Broad access with openness and inclusivity

Use Case

Tailored solutions for specialised needs

Diverse applications for various scenarios

Data Privacy

High security measures to protect against breaches

Variable security measures depending on standards

Control

Owned and controlled by specific entities

Decentralised control with general solutions

Cost

Investments for development, maintenance, and infrastructure

Varies, potentially cost-prohibitive for large datasets

Speed

Deployment may take longer due to customisation and testing

Quick deployment with pre-trained models and services

Why Private AI Matters

Understanding the difference between public AI and private AI is crucial, particularly concerning data privacy and security. Here's why private AI is important:

  1. Data Ownership: Private AI ensures that your sensitive corporate data and intellectual property remain within your control. This reduces the risks associated with sharing data with external entities.
  2. Regulatory Compliance Private AI solutions comply with data protection laws such as GDPR in the European Union, Australia's Privacy Act, and various privacy and communication laws in Asia and the Americas. Adhering to these regulations is vital to avoid legal consequences.
  3. Tailored Solutions: Private AI allows for customised AI models tailored to your organisation's requirements. Unlike public AI, which may offer generic solutions, private AI enables you to develop models specifically optimised for your business needs.
  4. Cost Effectiveness: Private AI offers more predictable costs, especially at scale. By investing in your AI infrastructure and data management, you can avoid the unpredictable expenses associated with public AI services.
  5. Strategic Independence: With private AI, you maintain strategic independence over your AI initiatives. By controlling your data and AI models, you can make decisions that align with your organisation's long-term goals and objectives.

In summary, private AI provides a secure, compliant, and customisable alternative to public AI solutions, empowering organisations to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while safeguarding their data and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, private AI is a game-changer in the world of artificial intelligence. It allows businesses to tap into AI's power while keeping data safe and ethical. Using special technologies and methods, private AI helps companies navigate complex data landscapes with confidence. It ensures that sensitive data remains in their control, safe from unauthorised access. This builds trust with customers, partners, and regulators. By prioritising privacy and ethics, private AI not only ensures compliance with regulations but also boosts confidence in stakeholders. It's a crucial step in responsible innovation, letting companies unlock AI's potential while protecting privacy.

To discover how NEXTDC can empower your organisation with Private AI solutions, contact us today for a consultation.