The European Union’s data protection watchdog has announced the launch of a task force to look into the ethics and data privacy of language-based artificial intelligences such as ChatGPT, following allegations that it violates data privacy laws.
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) said its member states agreed to take action after scrutinizing the steps taken by Italy in banning the program for reportedly breaching EU privacy laws. OpenAI’s ChatGPT program is capable of generating essays, poems, and conversations based on user input, and has been met with both enthusiasm and apprehension.
OpenAI’s use of vast datasets to train the AI has led to an array of concerns, including the ability to engage in large-scale cheating on tests, spreading disinformation on the internet, and replacing human labor. Strong criticism has been leveled at the program from both public figures such as Eric Bothorel, a French MP, and French data protection agency CNIL, which has opened a formal procedure following five complaints.
In addition to Italy’s temporary ban, Spain’s data protection agency opened an inquiry into the software and its US owner OpenAI, citing that while development in AIs should be encouraged, it must also be compatible with personal liberties and rights. In response to Italy’s halt on ChatGPT, OpenAI said it was “committed to protecting people’s privacy” while maintaining that their program complies with established laws.
The arrival of OpenAI is another point of interest in the world of artificial intelligence, prompting deliberations over the ethical and legal implications of such technology. The task force established by the EDPB is an effort to ensure that AI is used responsibly and in accordance with data protection regulations. OpenAI, for its part, prides itself in developing a platform for longterm research and development, introducing agents that are continually learning to work collaboratively and engagingly with humans.
In conclusion, the announcement from the EDPB serves as a cautionary sign that large scale AI programs such as ChatGPT must always navigate around privacy and data security regulations, in order to ensure responsible usage. It is up to tech industry players such as OpenAI to stay informed and abide by the rules, in order to ensure the wider acceptance of AI-driven technology.
