OpenAI Restores ChatGPT in Italy, Addresses Regulator Demands
OpenAI has restored access to its ChatGPT chatbot for Italian users after the company addressed concerns raised by the country's privacy regulator, the Italian Data Protection Authority, also known as Garante. In March, Garante launched an investigation into the techniques used to collect personal data from users, citing concerns over the pooling and storage of data to train algorithms for ChatGPT. Additionally, the regulator raised concerns over the absence of filters to ensure that users interacting with the chatbot were over 13 years old.
OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft, temporarily shut down the service in Italy and other locations to make necessary changes. Now, the company has reportedly complied with Garante's demands and reopened the service to Italian users.
Garante's investigation into OpenAI's practices highlights the growing concern over the collection and use of personal data by AI-powered services. As more companies harness the capabilities of AI and machine learning, regulators are under increasing pressure to ensure that user data is collected and utilized ethically and responsibly.
