Italy has banned OpenAI’s ChatGPT due to privacy concerns raised by its data protection authority.
Italy has become the first Western country to ban the advanced chatbot ChatGPT due to privacy concerns raised by its data protection authority.
Created by US start-up OpenAI and backed by Microsoft, ChatGPT uses natural, human-like language to answer questions and can mimic different writing styles. The app has been used by millions of people since its launch last November and was recently added to Bing, with plans to embed it in Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
However, the Italian watchdog has banned the app and will investigate OpenAI for not complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) after a data breach involving user conversations and payment information. Additionally, the watchdog stated that there was no legal basis for "the mass collection and storage of personal data for the purpose of 'training' the algorithms underlying the platform operation."
The app also exposed minors to "absolutely unsuitable answers compared to their degree of development and awareness" as there was no way to verify the age of users. The ban on ChatGPT in Italy highlights the importance of regulatory compliance for companies operating in Europe, particularly regarding protecting personal data and compliance with GDPR.
This also highlights the concerns about AI's potential risks, such as misinformation and bias, and the need for greater public scrutiny and control over these systems. While the EU is currently working on the world's first legislation on AI, the consumer advocacy group BEUC is calling on EU and national authorities to investigate ChatGPT and similar chatbots, given the risks it poses to consumers.
OpenAI has disabled ChatGPT for users in Italy and is committed to protecting people's privacy, as well as complying with GDPR and other privacy laws. The organization believes that AI regulation is necessary. It looks forward to working closely with the Italian data protection regulator to educate them on how their systems are built and used.
OpenAI hopes to make ChatGPT available in Italy again soon. Let's stay aware of the regulatory compliance and privacy concerns surrounding AI and hope for more stringent regulations to protect us from the potential harm AI can cause.
