Italy blocks ChatGPT chatbot over privacy concerns

YOU MAY LIKE THESE POSTS

Italy has become the first Western country to block advanced chatbot ChatGPT created by OpenAI and backed by Microsoft due to privacy concerns.

Italy blocks ChatGPT chatbot over privacy concerns

Italy has become the first Western country to block advanced chatbot ChatGPT created by OpenAI and backed by Microsoft due to privacy concerns. Millions of people have used ChatGPT since its launch in November 2022, but the Italian data-protection authority has banned and will investigate OpenAI.

Microsoft has spent billions of dollars on ChatGPT, and it was added to Bing last month, with plans to embed it in Office apps. There are concerns about the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI), including job losses and the spreading of misinformation and bias.

The Italian watchdog said that it would also investigate whether OpenAI complied with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). ChatGPT experienced a data breach involving user conversations and payment information, with no legal basis to justify the mass collection and storage of personal data.

Bard, Google's rival AI chatbot, is now only available to users over 18 due to similar concerns. OpenAI has 20 days to address the watchdog's concerns or face a fine of up to €20 million ($21.7m) or 4% of annual revenues.

EU data protection authorities will coordinate with the Italian regulator regarding the ban, and the UK's Information Commissioner's Office will support AI developments but challenge non-compliance with data protection laws. The ban highlights the importance of regulatory compliance for companies operating in Europe, with the protection of personal data a priority.

Outline:

• The Italian data-protection authority has banned and will investigate the US start-up OpenAI, which created the ChatGPT chatbot, due to privacy concerns.
• Millions of people have used ChatGPT since its launch in November 2022, as it can answer questions using natural language and mimic other writing styles.
• Microsoft has spent billions of dollars on ChatGPT, and it was added to Bing last month, with plans to embed it in Office apps.
• There are concerns about the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI), including job losses and the spreading of misinformation and bias.
• The Italian watchdog said that it would also investigate whether OpenAI complied with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• ChatGPT experienced a data breach involving user conversations and payment information, with no legal basis to justify the mass collection and storage of personal data.
• Bard, Google's rival AI chatbot, is now only available to users over 18 due to similar concerns.
• OpenAI has 20 days to address the watchdog's concerns or face a fine of up to €20 million ($21.7m) or 4% of annual revenues.
• EU data protection authorities will coordinate with the Italian regulator regarding the ban, and the UK's Information Commissioner's Office will support AI developments but challenge non-compliance with data protection laws.
• The ban highlights the importance of regulatory compliance for companies operating in Europe, with the protection of personal data a priority.