ChatGPT faces Austria complaint over 'uncorrectable errors'
A Vienna-based privacy campaign group announced on Monday its intention to file a complaint against ChatGPT in Austria. The group, known as NOYB ("None of Your Business"), alleges that the flagship AI tool produced by OpenAI is prone to creating inaccurate information that the creators are unable to rectify.
According to NOYB, ChatGPT has been generating incorrect responses, prompting concerns about the tool's reliability in providing accurate information. The group stated that even OpenAI has been unable to address the issue effectively.
The company has acknowledged its limitations in correcting misinformation generated by the AI tool and has not been transparent about the sources of data utilized by ChatGPT. This lack of accountability regarding data accuracy is a violation of EU laws, as personal data must be precise and transparent, NOYB argued.
Concerns Raised by NOYB
Maartje de Graaf, a data-protection lawyer at NOYB, emphasized the importance of technology adhering to legal requirements. She stated, “If a system cannot produce accurate and transparent results, it cannot be used to generate data about individuals.”
NOYB cited instances where ChatGPT provided inaccurate information about individuals, such as the birth date of NOYB founder Max Schrems. Despite requests for correction or deletion of the erroneous data, OpenAI allegedly claimed it was impossible to rectify, further exacerbating the privacy concerns raised by NOYB.
OpenAI responded to queries about data privacy by affirming its commitment to safeguarding user information. The company clarified that its AI models are designed to learn about the world and not to collect personal data for profiling or targeting individuals.
Legal Actions and Regulatory Responses
In response to these issues, NOYB is seeking an investigation by Austria’s data protection authority and potential fines against OpenAI to ensure compliance with EU regulations. The emergence of ChatGPT in the tech industry in November 2022 garnered significant attention for its capabilities in generating content rapidly. However, the tool has faced criticism and legal challenges in various countries.
Italy temporarily halted the use of ChatGPT in March 2023, and France initiated an investigation following complaints. Efforts to enhance coordination at a European level have been made through a working group, although NOYB remains skeptical about the effectiveness of regulatory measures in addressing AI-related concerns.
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