AI-based Assistive Technologies & People With Disabilities: Privacy At Risk

This thesis follows three research questions. First, it explores the potential privacy risks that people with disabilities (PWDs) face in the face of incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in assistive technologies (ATs). It then investigates reasons that exacerbate PWDs’ vulnerability to such potential privacy risks. Since legal literature in the context of AI-based ATs is limited, this thesis adopts a combination of multidisciplinary and traditional legal doctrinal research by studying legal literature and empirical research in other disciplines. Lastly, the thesis reviews the current Canadian data protection legal framework to examine if there is any provision specifically addressing PWDs or vulnerable data subjects and highlight legislative gaps impacting PWDs.