We know that artificial intelligence can create, translate and edit all kinds of content. It is also fast, available at any time, and ever friendly. 

And it is common knowledge that there should always be a “human in the loop.” But many companies are concerned about something else when it comes to AI, namely: What happens to my data?

Especially in areas such as law, finance or medicine, which deal in highly sensitive information, it is important when using translation or language services that: Confidential information remains confidential.

At Leinhäuser Language Services GmbH we make no bones about it: AI and data protection are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary, in fact. When used correctly, they actually complement each other perfectly.

Choose the right AI tool 

AI can translate at lightning speed and often delivers impressive results. But it is worth remembering: Not every AI-powered translation platform is designed to ensure data security and data protection in accordance with European standards (i.e.,  GDPR).

Uploading content to a public online tool means that it is likely to end up on servers outside the EU, where it will be stored, processed and used to train the model with no prior warning.

This is simply not an option for companies with high security requirements. And it not an option for us at Leinhäuser either.

Künstliche Intelligenz und Datenschutz

Data security at Leinhäuser Language Services 

Our clear guidelines, trained account managers and secure systems enable us to use AI responsibly. We have an AI policy that governs the use of AI tools and AI models and makes employees aware of the associated risks. It also specifies which content is off-limits for AI tools and AI models: Personal data and confidential information have no place in AI applications. And, of course, we respect customers who prefer to eschew the use of AI altogether.

We use a separate process to ensure that only tested and approved AI tools that guarantee the highest possible level of data security are used. Wherever possible, we prefer systems that comply with GDPR and are hosted in the EU. The central administration of our systems gives us effective control over all relevant files and databases. Data backup is an integral part of our internal processes to prevent data loss and security incidents.

Our employees are given specialized training to use these tools with confidence. We also exceed the mandatory training requirements set out in Article 4 of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, and are developing specialist AI skills in areas such as copywriting and audio/video localization.

This creates an ecosystem in which technology and data protection work together rather than against each other.

The human-in-command approach

There’s one thing we know for sure: If AI is to be an asset rather than an incalculable risk, it requires comprehensive knowledge of the tool landscape and its possibilities, a sense of responsibility among all those who use AI, and an acknowledgment that a human being must always, always have the final say. 

At Leinhäuser, we remain vigilant and are happy to advise on the tools and processes that would be best suited to your content. Our customers can rest assured that every project is handled in an appropriate and well thought-out manner. 

The best part: The tools we use offer the option of integrating translation memories, terminology, style guides and other reference documents into the automated workflow, under the watchful eye of trained account managers and linguists who know exactly what their customers need. The outcome therefore complies not only with data security and data protection requirements, but also adheres to customer-specific terminology and tonality.

Discerning use of artificial intelligence

AI technologies are developing rapidly. New systems are emerging, regulations such as the EU AI Act are taking shape, and the market is becoming increasingly diverse.

Our approach, however, remains the same: We use innovation responsibly – and make the most of it.

FAQs: AI and data protection in writing and language services

In Germany, data protection is generally understood as a right that gives every individual control over their personal data. The tradition of data protection and the development of data protection law have made a significant contribution to establishing high standards for the protection of personal data.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets minimum standards for data protection in the EU member states. The GDPR was published in the Official Journal of the European Union and sets out the legal provisions for data protection. The rights of data subjects, such as access, rectification and erasure, are central to this, while organizations are obliged to afford special protection to this data.

The principles and significance of data protection are becoming increasingly relevant in the era of AI and digitalization, as technological developments pose new challenges for the protection of personal data.

A lack of data protection can be costly and lead to data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage and failure to comply with a growing number of data protection laws. Compliance with legal regulations and effective data security measures are therefore essential when selecting AI tools.

Before an AI tool is implemented at Leinhäuser, a special process is used to verify the required functionality as well as the necessary data protection and information security features. We pay particular attention in this regard to compliance with all relevant rules and regulations and the consistent implementation of data security measures. Wherever possible, we prefer systems that comply with GDPR and are hosted in the EU. Only approved tools are installed and used.

No, confidential content is not uploaded to external AI systems as a matter of principle. In particular, we ensure that sensitive files and emails are protected in accordance with data protection requirements and not passed on to external systems.

Whilst AI provides support in the form of pre-translations, terminology suggestions or automatic quality checks, the final output is always checked, edited and approved by qualified linguists and account managers. Throughout the entire process, we ensure that the rights of the data subject are safeguarded and that data processing, as well as the use of personal data, are carried out in accordance with data protection requirements.

Despite AI being able to provide transcriptions, subtitle drafts or automatic speaker recognition, our experienced localization teams still take care of the actual translation, stylistic adaptation, adherence to cultural nuances, and scheduling. The steadily increasing volume of digital data presents organizations with new challenges in terms of data management and data security.

Of course. If this is your preference, we have many human experts to hand.

Dekorative Headergrafik im Leinhaeuser-Stil zum Copywriting-Beitrag.

Editorial Team Leinhäuser

 | info@leinhaeuser.com

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