Amman, June 4 (Petra) — The rapid expansion of artificial
intelligence technologies is heightening concerns over digital
privacy, with technology experts warning that application permissions
have become one of the primary gateways to personal data in an
increasingly data-driven economy.

Speaking to Petra, experts said protecting privacy can no longer be
viewed solely as an individual responsibility, but rather as a shared
obligation involving users, institutions and society as a whole,
particularly as AI-powered applications become deeply embedded in
daily life.

Mohammad Al-Otoum, head of the Computer Science Department at the
University of Jordan, said artificial intelligence has moved beyond
the realm of emerging technology to become an integral part of
everyday activities, with millions of people relying on AI
applications for writing, translation, education, research, business
management and communication.

While these technologies offer significant benefits, Al-Otoum said
they have also intensified concerns surrounding digital privacy and
the permissions granted to applications on smartphones and other
connected devices.

He explained that requests for access to cameras, microphones,
location services and stored files do more than enable specific
features, potentially allowing applications to access substantial
portions of a user’s digital footprint.

According to Al-Otoum, many users approve such permissions without
fully understanding the extent of the data being shared or how it may
be processed and utilized.

Although many permissions are necessary for the operation of digital
services, some applications request access that exceeds their
functional needs, creating concerns over excessive data collection
and privacy protection, he said.

Al-Otoum noted that the value of personal information in the age of
big data lies in the ability to aggregate and analyze thousands of
seemingly minor data points. Search histories, location records,
photographs, online activity patterns and user preferences can
collectively generate detailed digital profiles capable of revealing
individual behaviors, interests and habits.

He also highlighted a series of major cyber incidents affecting
international companies and digital platforms in recent years,
arguing that privacy risks extend beyond data collection to include
the storage, management and protection of information against
breaches and misuse.

Addressing a common perception among users, Al-Otoum said there is no
credible technical evidence that smartphones systematically listen to
private conversations. However, he noted that sophisticated
algorithms can analyze vast amounts of user data and predict
interests and behaviors with remarkable accuracy, often creating the
impression that devices know more about users than expected.

“The real cybersecurity challenge is not artificial intelligence
itself, but the lack of digital awareness among some users,” he said.

Al-Otoum stressed that building a strong digital culture has become a
national priority, particularly as younger generations increasingly
adopt AI-driven applications. He called for greater awareness of
application permissions, privacy policies and secure digital
practices, including downloading software only from trusted sources
and limiting the sharing of sensitive information.

Hani Al-Batsh, a strategic technology consultant, said application
permissions have become one of the most valuable entry points to data
in the AI era.

“In the past, users were primarily concerned about viruses and
malicious software. Today, the challenge often begins with a simple
click on the ‘Allow’ button,” he said.

Al-Batsh noted that personal data, including photographs, geographic
locations, contact lists, search histories and usage patterns, has
become a key asset powering the digital economy.

He explained that AI technologies can identify lifestyle patterns,
interests and daily habits through the analysis of accumulated data,
often without requiring direct access to highly sensitive
information.

According to Al-Batsh, digital awareness remains the first and most
effective line of defense. He urged users to regularly review
application permissions and ensure that each application is granted
only the access necessary to perform its intended function.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Al-Batsh said
striking a balance between innovation and privacy protection will
remain one of the defining challenges of the digital age.

He added that future applications are expected to become more
intelligent and capable of delivering increasingly sophisticated
services, making digital literacy and privacy awareness essential
skills for users navigating an AI-powered world.

//Petra// RZ