Italy has lifted its temporary ChatGPT Ban, a generative AI tool developed by OpenAI. The ban was implemented in March after the country’s data protection agency, Garante, raised concerns over “unlawful” data collection and the lack of an age verification mechanism for minors. Guarantee required OpenAI to meet a series of demands before the suspension could be lifted.
Steps Taken To Resolve Issues
OpenAI has implemented several measures to address the concerns raised by Garante. The company has introduced a pop-up box that requires users to confirm they are above 18 years old or have obtained parental consent if they are aged between 13 and 18. They also need to specify their birthday on the sign-up page to gain access. The pop-up’s text contains links to OpenAI’s new privacy policy and a help center article on how ChatGPT is developed and trained.
Users can obtain erasure for inaccurate information and an opt-out form for the processing of personal data. OpenAI has clarified that it will continue processing certain types of data on a contractual basis to enable the performance of its services, but for algorithm training data processing will be on the legal basis of legitimate interest.
While Garante welcomed OpenAI’s new measures, it has called on the company to comply with additional requests, including an age verification system to prevent minors from using the service and a campaign to inform Italians that their personal data may have been used for ChatGPT’s training.
Italy lifts ban on ChatGPT after data privacy improvements | Latest News | WION
Setting a Precedent
The Italian agency hopes that OpenAI will continue in its efforts to comply with European data protection legislation, and it will continue its investigation into the company’s compliance with GDPR. The ChatGPT Ban was the first attempt in the Western world to regulate a generative AI tool like OpenAI’s model. The company’s compliance may set a precedent for other European countries, with several other data protection agencies in France, Ireland, and Spain, paying close attention to the developments.
AI Under The Microscope
The temporary ChatGPT Ban in Italy and the subsequent measures implemented by OpenAI demonstrate the increasing scrutiny that generative AI tools are facing. While the technology holds great promise, it also raises concerns about data privacy, security, and ethics. Companies developing generative AI tools will need to continue to work closely with regulators to address these concerns and ensure compliance with data protection legislation.
