Italy’s data protection authority, the Garante, recently took swift action against OpenAI’s popular chatbot, ChatGPT. Following allegations of unlawul data processing, the Garante issued an urgent order to temporarily limit the processing of data belonging to individuals in Italy. The Garante’s investigation revealed areas of concern including: insufficient information provided to users about the data processing, a lack of a legal basis for the data collection, no age verification protocol for ChatGPT users, and inaccurate data provided by ChatGPT. OpenAI was given 20 days to meet GDPR requirements or face a hefty fine of up to 4 percent of its annul global revenue.
In response, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman tweeted that OpenAI had ceased offering ChatGPT in Italy. His announcement followed other recent public concerns about ChatGPT from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC).
Moreover, 1000 technologists and researchers issued an open letter imploring tech labs to pause development of advanced AI systems, arguing that these tools present serious risks to society.
OpenAI is a nonprofit research laboratory focusing on the development of advanced artificial intelligence (AI). Founded by tech luminaries, the company leverages its vast resources on AI research and development, having invested millions of dollars in the development of ChatGPT. Although OpenAI thought it was following all privacy laws, it was difficult for them to remain in full compliance with rapidly changing regulations concerning AI development.
As for Sam Altman, he is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He currently serves as the President of OpenAI and manages the billion-dollar nonprofit. He is also the Co-Chairman of Y Combinator, a Silicon Valley startup accelerator, and a managing partner at Y Combinator Continuity, a venture fund. Altman is determined to lead OpenAI and ensure the immense potential of the company’s advances in AI are safely developed with the right ethical standards.
