ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was the first AI chatbot temporarily banned in Italy, raising questions around the consequences of such decisions and their implications on developing AI applications. The Garante (Italian Data Protection Authority) issued the emergency order on March 30 after discovering a data breach related to ChatGPT, as well as issues with age verification and the lack of information provided to users. OpenAI promptly blocked access to the chatbot in Italy and resolved to cooperate in order to comply with the order by the end of April 2023.
The incident highlights several key points, such as the need for more coordination between the EU member states regarding AI technology laws, about the effectiveness and proportionality of bans, and about ensuring the safety of children. A premptive, collaborative dialogue could have been beneficial here, thus avoiding the need for a temporary operator. It also shows the importance of providing users with more information about the data being processed by the AI technology and of implementing age-verification systems, as well as other user safeguards to ensure compliance with data protection law.
OpenAI is an American artificial intelligence research laboratory that specializes in the development of general artificial intelligence (GAI), advanced natural language processing, and unsupervised machine learning. Founded in 2015 by Elon Musk and Sam Altman, the company has become renowned as one of the world’s most renowned developer of AI systems. With a world-class team of AI researchers, OpenAI works on advancing AI technology safely and focusing on using AI to benefit humanity.
Pasquale Stanzione is the President of the Italian Data Protection Authority and is responsible for dealing with the issue related to ChatGPT. In addition to serving as president of the Italian Data Protection Authority, Stanzione has held positions such as the Vice President of the European Data Protection Board, and from 2008-2011 he served as General Inspector of Privacy in Italy. Stanzione has had an illustrious career and is considered an authority figure in data protection law in Europe. Stanzione’s reaction to the ChatGPT incident highlights the importance of understanding and properly addressing the risks associated with the development of AI technologies.
