Italy Temporarily Suspends ChatGPT Over Data and Privacy Concerns

The use of OpenAI's ChatGPT technology has been

suspended in Italy over concerns that the platform may violate the country's data collection policies. 

The AI-powered chatbot has gained widespread popularity due to its advanced capabilities, including generating realistic art, assisting with tax preparation, and even acing academic exams.

The Italian data protection agency announced on Friday that it would suspend the collection of Italian users' data by ChatGPT, pending an investigation into OpenAI, the California-based company responsible for developing the tool. The move comes after a data breach on March 20th that exposed some users' personal information, including chat logs and payment data. While OpenAI has reported that the issue responsible for the breach has been addressed, concerns have been raised about the company's data collection practices and whether they comply with existing regulations.

The Italian data protection agency has also expressed concern over the absence of an age verification system that would protect minors from being exposed to inappropriate content. OpenAI has been given 20 days to address the concerns raised by the agency, failing which the company may face a fine of up to $21 million or 4% of its annual revenue.

It was reported that Italy had temporarily suspended ChatGPT due to data and privacy concerns, making it the first country to do so, but it was noted that similar concerns were also growing globally. The Center for AI and Digital Policy had filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission in the US, claiming that ChatGPT's latest version could lead to "mass surveillance at scale." The group had requested that appropriate regulations be established before OpenAI releases any future versions of ChatGPT.

The statement of the Center for AI and Digital Policy emphasizes the significance of having control over AI systems to prevent potential risks and catastrophic outcomes, while also recognizing the opportunities and benefits they offer. According to the group, there is a need to manage the risks that may arise from AI systems.

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