Paper Title
ACCOUNTABILITY IN AI: THE ROLE OF DATA PRIVACY LEGISLATION IN ENSURING ETHICAL ISSUES

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and revolutionizing processes, offering unparalleled benefits in decision-making, automation, and personalized services. However, its rapid integration into various aspects of society has raised critical ethical concerns, particularly regarding accountability, transparency, and data privacy. The ethical deployment of AI necessitates addressing issues such as algorithmic bias, lack of Explainability, and the potential misuse of personal data. This paper explores the role of data privacy legislation in ensuring accountability in AI systems, focusing on global regulatory frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other emerging legal structures. It examines how these laws enforce transparency, mitigate bias, and protect individual privacy while fostering responsible innovation. Case studies of AI applications in healthcare, marketing, and public governance are analysed to illustrate the effectiveness and limitations of current legislation in addressing ethical concerns. The paper further discusses challenges in enforcing AI accountability, including the complexity of AI systems, gaps in existing legal frameworks, and the tension between innovation and regulation. It highlights the need for a holistic approach that bridges legal, technical, and ethical dimensions to ensure AI systems operate responsibly. Keywords - Artificial Intelligence (AI), Accountability, Algorithmic Bias, Transparency, Explainability, Privacy-First Design, AI Regulation, Ethical Innovation, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration