OpenAI recently gave in to Italy’s data privacy demands, lifting the ban of their text generator, ChatGPT. The Italian Data Protection Authority had imposed the ban in March due to concerns of age-verification controls and “legal basis” for gathering online user data to train the AI tool’s algorithms. OpenAI quickly made several concessions, understanding the need to protect its users’ privacy. This included informing users on how ChatGPT processes their data and providing an online form to opt out and remove user data from the algorithms. OpenAI also required Italian users to provide their birthdate at sign-up to properly identify and verify the age of its users.
OpenAI is a computer science research and software development company, with the mission to build safe AI that benefits humanity. Founded by Tesla’s Elon Musk and co-chaired by Sam Altman, OpenAI is focused mainly on developing artificial intelligence. OpenAI’s main achievements include building a text-generation system, the GPT-3, and a robotic hand that can solve a Rubik’s cube.
Sam Altman is the Co-Chairman and President of OpenAI. He is also a Partner of Y Combinator, where he serves as President as well. Sam’s background is in computer science and he was previously heading up the startup accelerator Y Combinator. He is also a founder of the venture firms Arista and MetaPhil. Sam has been actively involved in developing project ChatGPT from the beginning, he even initiated the project along with Tesla founder Elon Musk.
Despite lifting the ban, OpenAI is still obligated to implement the Italian Data Protection Authority’s remaining demands. This includes launching a publicity campaign to inform ChatGPT users on how the tool works and explain how to opt out of data sharing, among other things. According to the Wall Street Journal, there is still debate on how to properly regulate AI while some legislators are reconsidering their AI strategies in light of ChatGPT’s sudden rise and success.
OpenAI’s main goal is to create safe and responsible AI and this instance with Italy serves that purpose. OpenAI is committed to protecting their users’ privacy and is looking forward to working with the Italian Data Protection Authority until their investigation and requirements have been completely satisfied.
