As various EU member states consider whether or not to ban certain chatbots, legislators are debating the need for the bloc to have a clear set of regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The latest example of this conflict comes in the form of ChatGPT, a chatbot created and maintained by US-based OpenAI, which uses AI technology to generate texts that appear to be written by humans. OpenAI is backed by Microsoft.
At the end of March, the Italian data protection authority, Garante, imposed a temporary ban on ChatGPT, citing data protection legislation breaches. This included the demand that OpenAI must be more transparent in how it processes user data, and to ask permission to use the data to further develop the software. Following this imposition, Spain and France have also raised similar concerns about the chatbot.
At present, the EU does not have unified regulations for AI-dependent products such as self-driving cars, medical technology, or surveillance systems. EU legislators are still debating legislation proposed by the Commission two years ago, yet, it may take to early 2025 until the legislation goes into effect due to the complex nature of approving it.
Axel Voss, German MEP and drafter of the AI Act, commented on how AI technology has advanced significantly since two years ago, making the regulations outdated by the time it is enacted. Therefore, he argues for more optimism when it comes to regulations to keep pace with the technological advancements.
Voss also suggests amending the current data protection laws for AI, as well as instituting a body to monitor and ensure accountability from companies who use the technology. This suggestion of monitoring by a third-party has been echoed by Mark Brakel from the Future of Life Institute.
EU legislators are attempting to find the balance between consumer protection, regulation, and fostering economic and technological advancements. Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for Internal Market, has pointed out the immense potential of AI and believes the data for AI should be processed and stored within the EU to reduce their dependence on foreign providers.
OpenAI appears to be leading the charge in the US for chatbots, with competitors such as Google and Twitter not far behind. In addition, Chinese tech giant Baidu has already created a chatbot called Ernie. Unfortunately, Europe has yet to create and catch up to the rising competition.
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