Emotional AI (EAI) refers to technologies that analyse human emotions using biometric data such as facial expressions, voice, and behaviour. While these systems are increasingly used in workplaces, education, and security, they raise critical ethical and legal concerns—particularly regarding privacy and the commodification of emotions.

This talk introduces 'emotional privacy', a concept that highlights the risks EAI poses to personal autonomy and dignity. Gain insight into how these technologies function, their scientific and ethical limitations, and the regulatory challenges they present under frameworks like the EU AI Act and GDPR. The session will encourage a fresh perspective on privacy, moving beyond traditional notions to consider emotions as sensitive, contextual, and collectively relevant data.

You do not need any prior knowledge of AI to enjoy this event. This event is particularly relevant for those interested in law, ethics, technology, and human rights.

Register on Eventbrite.

Speaker

Emine Akar is a legal scholar specialising in law, technology, and ethics. She holds an LLM from University College London, where she earned an Outstanding Distinction for her thesis, Recognising Artificial Intelligence as Legal Persons. She has also been a Visiting Researcher at the Digital Governance Centre, Erasmus School of Law. Currently completing her PhD at King’s College London, Akar’s research explores the impact of Emotional Artificial Intelligence on privacy rights. Her doctoral studies were funded by the ESRC through the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership. Alongside her research, she lectures in law at Birkbeck, University of London.

King's Festival of Artificial Intelligence

This event is part of the King’s Festival of Artificial Intelligence. Running from Tuesday 20 May to Saturday 24 May, the free, five-day festival brings together a diverse line-up of experts to consider critical questions about artificial intelligence in the context of healthcare, education, sustainability, policy, and creativity.

If you are interested in this event, you may also want to join us for:

• Keeping AI Honest with Transparent Design
• AI and Me: A Personal Journey to Revolutionising Mental Health

Festival events will take place across several King’s venues, so please check carefully where the event is taking place. Festival event times may be subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to attendees via Eventbrite emails.

Please note, King's events are free, which means we routinely overbook to allow for no-shows and avoid empty seats. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, so please arrive in good time to avoid disappointment. We will not be able to admit those without tickets or latecomers.