ChatGPT now available to users in Italy after temporary ban due to privacy concerns
OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT - its popular chatbot - can now be accessed by users in Italy after the company "addressed or clarified" issues regarding privacy concerns raised by the country's Data Protection Authority, Garante. Last month, the Italian watchdog temporarily banned ChatGPT due to its suspected breach of privacy rules. It also accused OpenAI of gathering personal data and payment information for training purposes without any legal grounds.
In response to the Italian regulator's concerns, OpenAI has stated that it will offer an age verification tool for Italian users upon sign-up. Additionally, it will provide greater visibility of its privacy policy and user content opt-out form. A company spokesperson has confirmed that OpenAI will also create a new form for European Union users, giving them the right to object to the use of their personal data for the purpose of training AI models.
Although the chatbot is now back online in Italy, Garante is continuing its investigation into the matter. The watchdog has welcomed OpenAI's efforts to date but has requested additional information from the company, particularly on the issue of age verification and data usage disclosure to Italian users.
