The last IS news roundup of October is here for you – let’s dive in!

Veritas Technologies has unveiled their study on how UAE companies use AI for data management.

According to the study, 45% of UAE businesses plan to ramp up AI investments, seeing it as essential to data security and compliance, especially in response to such threats as ransomware and data breaches. There is no surprise here, as data security is the top concern for 49% of UAE organizations. However, the main driver of adoption of AI is still compliance: 73% of companies review their AI policies annually to ensure they are in line with ever-changing regulations.

The UAE government remains at the forefront of pushing AI forward; more than half of local organizations gained a better understanding of regulatory standards and began to benefit from more tailored guidance on optimizing AI use due to the government's efforts in this area.

Also, the report shows that AI is not replacing IT specialists; it is mainly exploited to strengthen teams and free the experts up to tackle more complex challenges.

Data protection and compliance concerns are not limited to the Middle East. LinkedIn was fined €310 million by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) last Thursday for breaching EU data protection laws related to the processing of personal data for behavioral analytics and targeted advertising. The fine followed an investigation initiated by a complaint from French non-profit La Quadrature Du Net, which questioned LinkedIn’s compliance with GDPR standards.

Key findings included LinkedIn’s failure to obtain valid user consent, the lack of a legitimate interest justification, and a lack of transparency in its data processing. Violations were found under several articles of the GDPR, including those requiring fair processing, clear consent, and adequate information to users.

The DPC’s ruling requires LinkedIn to review its data practices and improve transparency to comply with EU law. LinkedIn acknowledged the ruling and has committed to updating its advertising systems to comply.

In case you would like to prevent these types of data dramas in your business, think about implementing Managed Security Services. It is the most convenient and affordable way of providing comprehensive data security for organizations of all sizes.