Auto-Profiling

The use of automated systems to create profiles of individuals based on their data, without human intervention in the decision-making process. Auto-profiling uses algorithms to analyze personal data and make predictions or categorizations about people—their preferences, behaviors, creditworthiness, job performance, or future actions. This differs from manual profiling where humans review data and make judgments. Auto-profiling raises privacy concerns because automated systems can process vast amounts of data quickly, potentially revealing sensitive insights or making consequential decisions without human oversight or ability to contest. When auto-profiling produces legal or similarly significant effects (like denying credit or employment), additional protections apply under laws like GDPR. Individuals generally have rights to know about auto-profiling, understand the logic involved, and in some cases, obtain human intervention in decisions.