On March 31, the Italian Data Guardian, Garante, mandated OpenAI, a U.S-based firm to halt its AI chatbot service, ChatGPT, due to suspected violations of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). After reviewing the firm’s services, the watchdog set a deadline of April 30 for OpenAI to take the necessary steps to become compliant with the new data-processing rules, plus an extra month for additional requirements.
OpenAI must create an information notice outlining its data processing practices and clearly state the legal basis for processing personal data. Additionally, it must set age-verification measures to prevent minors from using their products, like ChatGPT, and strengthen existing age-gating. Lastly, OpenAI must inform users of their rights and enable them to delete and correct any misinformation generated by ChatGPT.
OpenAI is a research laboratory based in San Francisco and owned by the Microsoft Corporation. The team specializes in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with the goal of observing and advancing the progress of AI development. OpenAI’s research has explored ways to build profoundly capable systems developed with human values.
The company is led by CEO Sam Altman, who is also the managing partner of venture capital firm Y Combinator and the founder of Deep-mind Technologies. Altman has spearheaded OpenAI’s cutting-edge technology, from its foundational applications to its early investigative efforts. He has also been a vocal proponent of developing AI for the betterment of humanity. Altman believes that AI will help support deeper understanding of the world and contribute to the enhancement of life.
