The European Union has set up a Privacy Task Force to focus on ChatGPT, a new AI chatbot created by OpenAI which is facing data investigations in Canada. The EU’s key GDPR regulator, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), is coordinating the task force in order to share information on enforcement actions and foster cooperation between different regulators.
The task force was prompted by the Italian data protection regulator’s ban of ChatGPT as it was allegedly in violation of privacy laws. Other European countries are now considering following suit, including Germany and Spain. The OpenAI creation is being investigated for data irregularities and breaching GDPR laws, as well as an underlying data breach in March which exposed the conversations and payment information of affected users.
OpenAI is adamant that it has not breached any data laws and it is still to be seen if any repercussions will be issued by the EU.
The AI model ChatGPT became a top choice as soon as it was released in November of 2020 and it is estimated to have reached 100 million users by January 2021. As this new technology quickly gained traction, concerns over how the software could be misused, like generating misinformation and malware, were brought to attention.
Various authorities and international bodies have since engaged in conversation to create legislation on the use of Artificial Intelligence, such as the EU’s AI Act. So far, this new technology has been difficult to regulate without restrictions on innovation and researcher’s abilities.
OpenAI is a San Francisco-based non-profit founded by tech investor, Sam Altman, and tech celebrity, Elon Musk. OpenAI is devoted to studying and using Artificial Intelligence technologies that benefit humanity. With its creation of ChatGPT, OpenAI sought out to provide a safe, secure, and user-friendly AI model that could lead to the full deployment of AI-based applications.
Graham Doyle is the deputy commissioner of Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) and is one of the many individuals involved in the ChatGPT investigations. He has spoken to the Business Post about the importance of understanding why Italy has taken the measures to ban the AI chatbot. Other companies, councils and data protection figures are likely to bring forward challenges to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI technologies.
By creating this task force, the EU is providing an environment that will ensure the responsible use of AI and make sure the rights of individuals are not be neglected. As this international issue unfolds, the world will continue to grapple with the ethical implications of utilizing Artificial Intelligence.
