Euro Watchdog to Review ChatGPT’s Privacy Rules
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has established a task force to evaluate the artificial intelligence (AI) application, ChatGPT. This move is the first action taken to establish a common policy on privacy rules for AI in Europe. Previously, Italy had taken unilateral action to limit the use of ChatGPT, and Germany had expressed its intention to do the same. The EDPB’s task force will ensure cooperation and exchange of information on possible enforcement actions.
ChatGPT is an AI program capable of providing answers quickly and is becoming one of the fastest-growing consumer applications in history. However, its growth raises concerns about potential threats to privacy, safety, and employment. Several other European countries and the US government have also expressed their worries about the adoption of ChatGPT and similar AI products.
The EDPB is an independent group that regulates data protection in the European Union. The organization is composed of national data protection watchdogs that oversee data protection rules in Europe. Spain requested the ChatGPT review, and the discussion was added to the body’s agenda. Member states hope to align their policy positions, but this may take time.
The member states' goals are not to punish or create rules that will affect the owners of ChatGPT, OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft, but to establish general policies that are transparent to benefit everyone.
