The Italian Data Protection Authority (IDPA) has issued a statement, dated January 29, indicating that OpenAI, the organization behind the AI chatbot ChatGPT, is not in compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This conclusion emerged from the IDPA’s investigation into AI data scraping practices, initiated in November 2023.
OpenAI has been given a 30-day window to present counterarguments against the allegations of GDPR breaches. The IDPA’s final decision will take into account the efforts of a task force established under the European Data Protection Framework, which is dedicated to national privacy oversight.
Italy’s scrutiny of ChatGPT began with a ban in March 2023, making it the first country to prohibit the AI chatbot. This action followed a data breach on the platform that compromised personal user information. Although the ban faced criticism, it was lifted in April 2023 under the condition that OpenAI adheres to specific transparency measures. Since then, Italy has continued to closely monitor AI developments and their societal impacts.
Recognizing the potential of AI to disrupt the job market, the Italian government allocated a multimillion-dollar fund in May 2023. This fund is aimed at supporting workers at risk of displacement due to AI, as well as fostering the development of digital skills among these individuals.
In a related development, the city of Trento was fined $54,000 on January 26 for improperly using AI technology in a scientific research project involving cameras, microphones, and social networks. This marked the first instance of an Italian city being penalized for AI misuse.
As the host of the G7 presidency in 2024, Italy has expressed its intention to prioritize AI regulation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni plans to organize a special session on AI for G7 members ahead of the first leaders’ summit scheduled for June. This initiative underscores Italy’s commitment to shaping the global discourse on AI governance and regulation.
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