Italy is taking measures to safeguard user information by temporarily halting the use of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence software, as it looks into potential breaches of European Union data protection regulations. In response to the government’s investigation, U.S.-based OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has disabled the software for Italian users and states that their practices are compliant with European privacy laws. However, Italy’s data privacy authority is questioning the legal justification for OpenAI’s “extensive collection and handling of personal data” used in training ChatGPT’s algorithms as well as the existence of a system to verify users’ ages. In light of this, scientists and tech leaders are urging companies like OpenAI to pause the development of more advanced AI models until the autumn, allowing society time to evaluate potential risks. European consumer group BEUC has also called for EU authorities and member states to investigate ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots.
Key Points:
- Italy is blocking ChatGPT as it investigates possible violations of European Union data protection rules.
- OpenAI has disabled ChatGPT for Italian users at the government’s request.
- The Italian Data Protection Authority is questioning whether OpenAI has legal justification for its “massive collection and processing of personal data”.
- Scientists and tech industry leaders have called for a pause in the development of more powerful AI models.
- European consumer group BEUC has called for EU authorities and member nations to investigate ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots.