ChatGPT’s Temporary Bans in Italy due to Data Collection Concerns

Italy has banned the popular AI tool, ChatGPT, in Italy. The temporary ban comes because it violates the country’s data collection regulations. The Italian data protection agency on March 31 announced an immediate ban on ChatGPT from gathering personal information from Italian users. At the same time, the agency is investigating OpenAI, the Californian firm responsible for ChatGPT. The inquiry is in response to a breach on March 20 that endangered some users’ personal data, including their chat history and payment details. OpenAI claims that they have fixed the bug that caused the data leak.

ChatGPT is temporarily banned in Italy amid an investigation into data collection.#OpenAI says that they have disabled #ChatGPT in the country at the request of data protection agency@eriknjoka tells you more

Watch more: https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/ioZfiUrSgg

— WION (@WIONews) April 1, 2023

ChatGPT Concerns

Apart from the data breach, the Italian government has raised concerns over OpenAI’s data collection practices and the legality of the extent of data the tool retains. The Italian data protection agency has also criticized the absence of an age verification system that would prevent minors from being exposed to inappropriate content. OpenAI has been given a 20-day deadline to address the agency’s concerns. Failure to do so might make the company pay a $21 million fine or pay 4% of its annual revenue.

There have been fears and concerns of similar issues rising worldwide, including in the US. The Federal Trade Commission received a complaint from the Center for AI and Digital Policy. The Center for AI and Digital Policy accused ChatGPT’s latest version of being capable of “mass surveillance at scale.” the Federal Trade Commission The group has urged OpenAI to halt the release of any new versions until adequate regulations are established.

In their statement, the group acknowledges the potential benefits of AI. Still, it emphasizes the need for control over these systems to mitigate the risks and prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Speaking to BBC, the Irish data protection commission has also expressed interest in Italy’s ban on ChatGPT. It has indicated plans to coordinate with other EU data protection authorities to investigate further.

According to the BBC, the UK’s independent data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, favors AI advancements. The Information Commissioner’s Office is also prepared to challenge non-compliance with data protection laws.

Dan Morgan, a representative from cybersecurity rating provider SecurityScorecard, believes that the ChatGPT ban highlights the significance of regulatory compliance for companies that operate in Europe.

ChatGPT Ban

Several countries, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, have banned ChatGPT. OpenAI informed the BBC that it had disabled ChatGPT for Italian users upon the request of the Italian data protection regulator. The company emphasized its commitment to safeguarding people’s privacy and claimed compliance with privacy laws. OpenAI looks forward to restoring ChatGPT’s availability in Italy soon.

The featured image is from mpost.io