The European Union’s data regulator, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), announced its move on Thursday, Apr 13 to create a specific task force to help protect citizens as they interact with the popular artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT. This has prompted further scrutiny on the United States company OpenAI, which produces the software.
The action was prompted by Italy banning the use of ChatGPT last month, citing privacy concerns over the data gathering process employed by the programme. In addition, France’s data protection agency CNIL examined five complaints filed against OpenAI. Spain’s data protection agency, AEPD, also initiated an investogation into the company and its software.
The controversial programme has sparked worries across Europe because of its capabilities to write essays, poems, and conversations from simple stimuli, and its capacity to pass exams. Experts even have cautioned that the chatbot could end up replacing human jobs and contribute to the dissemination of disinformation. What’s more, it is necessary for ChatGPT to have access to large data sets for it to be operational; this has caused a big debate about where the OpenAI group procures this data and whether their handling of it complies with people’s privacy rights.
CNIL opened its proceedings after receiving a complaint from French MP Eric Bothorel, who declared that ChatGPT had created false information about him, such as his birthdate and work history. This is an infringement of the GDPR rules, that obligate AI systems to render exact and accurate personal details wherever possible.
In response to Italy’s command to stop using ChatGPT, OpenAI informed AFP that they are “devoted to safeguarding privacy” and argue that the software follows the legislation.
To coordinate and manage possible enforcement actions against OpenAI, the EDPB tasked a member state to head the task force. The intention for the team is to monitor and share any developments in the many judicial proceedings and inquiries happening around Europe.
OpenAI is a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence research lab established in 2019. It mostly focuses on developing advanced open-source AI technologies and conducting research to solve the world’s greatest challenges. OpenAI’s primary funding comes from tech giants Microsoft and Sam Altman, the founder of YCombinator. OpenAI is dedicated to developing AI technologies of which can be used in various industries and sectors, while ensuring that they are used safely, ethically and responsibly.
