Italy's Data Protection Authority Alleges OpenAI's Violation of Privacy Laws
Summary:
The Italian data protection authority (IDA) has declared OpenAI of violating its data privacy laws, primarily for the AI chatbot ChatGPT's non-compliance with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. This happened almost a year after Italy temporarily banned, then reinstated, ChatGPT following a data breach. Italy has been proactive in IT regulation; an instance includes imposing a $54,000 fine on Trento for misusing AI technology. As it prepares to host the 2024 G7 presidency, Italy plans to focus on AI regulation.
On January 29, the Italian data protection authority (IDA) declared that OpenAI had violated its data protection and privacy laws. The authority found that the AI chatbot ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was non-compliant with stipulations set by the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as per the IDA's investigational activities. The investigation, initiated in November 2023, had the aim of scrutinising AI internet data collection methods. OpenAI has been given a 30-day window to provide responses to the allegation. The final decision will consider findings by a specialised task force established under the European Data Protection Framework (EDPB).
This allegation stems from the initial prohibition of ChatGPT in Italy, implemented in March 2023. Italy was the first country globally to disallow the AI application after a data infringement incident that disclosed private user data. Following the ban, regulators faced backlash, but indicated the ban would be lifted if OpenAI complied with specific transparency requirements. By April 29, chatbot access was restored in Italy.
The Italian authorities continue to monitor the AI sector closely. In May, the government established a substantial fund for workers potentially affected by AI transitions. This fund also seeks to boost the digital skills of the identified at-risk demographics.
At a recent instance, Italy imposed a $54,000 fine on the city of Trento for inappropriate use of AI technology during a scientific research project involving cameras, microphones and social networks. This was the first city in Italy to be reprimanded in this manner.
For the year 2024, Italy holds the G7 presidency and plans to address AI regulation as one of its key agenda items. Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, stated her intention to convene an exclusive AI-centric session involving G7 members before the inaugural leaders' meeting set for June.
Published At
1/30/2024 11:12:49 AM
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