Spain Investigates OpenAI’s ChatGPT Over Possible Data Protection Breaches
Spain has announced that it is opening an investigation into OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a chatbot driven by artificial intelligence (AI), due to a possible breach of data protection rules. The announcement comes after the Italian government decided to block the chatbot over data concerns. Additionally, the French personal data protection authority, or CNIL, has also opened a control procedure.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a conversational chatbot that first emerged in November 2020, quickly gaining popularity for its ability to provide clear answers to difficult questions and write computer code and sonnets. Microsoft, who funded the development of ChatGPT, has added it to its services. However, ChatGPT is already inaccessible in several countries, including China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia.
Spain’s decision to investigate ChatGPT follows the European Union’s announcement of a working group to promote cooperation about AI subjects. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is responsible for coordinating the equivalent authorities to the CNIL in different EU member states. The EDPB supports innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence but emphasizes that their development must be compatible with individual rights and freedoms.
In response to the Italian government’s decision, OpenAI has stated that it complies with the EU’s enforced regulations and is concerned about data protection. The Italian data protection watchdog has outlined conditions that OpenAI will have to satisfy by April 30 to lift the ban on the ChatGPT AI chatbot.
