Not all hope is lost for ChatGPT users in Italy, as the country's data privacy regulator gave OpenAI a chance to satisfy a set of requirements before the tech company's AI chatbot can make a comeback.
OpenAI to Make an Info Notice on their Data Collection Methods
As reported by Engadget, OpenAI must first satisfy a list of requirements set by the Italian data protection agency, Garante, before lifting the country-wide restriction on ChatGPT. OpenAI has until April 30 to comply with the requirements.
It can be recalled that the data privacy regulator ordered a temporary restriction on the use of ChatGPT in Italy two weeks ago. Garante has also started an investigation into the AI chat service due to a possible breach of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Aside from data privacy concerns, Garante noted ChatGPT's lack of age verification requirements that will prevent minors from using the chatbot.
"OpenAI will have to draft and make available, on its website, an information notice describing the arrangements and logic of the data processing required for the operation of ChatGPT along with the rights afforded to data subjects," the Garante said, pertaining to the first requirement for the restoration of ChatGPT. Furthermore, OpenAI must ensure that Italian users will see the information notice, and then be required to verify that they are 18 years and above of age before accessing ChatGPT.
The Garante also requires OpenAI to develop "easily accessible tools to allow non-users to exercise their right to object to the processing of their personal data." ChatGPT users shall also be allowed to use the same right to refuse the acquisition of their private data "if legitimate interest is chosen as the legal basis for processing their data."
The last requirement for OpenAI's compliance is that the company should create an ad campaign that will inform Italian users about how ChaptGPT collects their private data and how the data are used to train the AI model. The ad must be run through radio, television, newspapers and online by May 31. If OpenAI fails to comply with the Garante's requirements, then the company is likely to face additional penalties on top of the current ChatGPT ban, according to Politico.
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OpenAI Seeks to Build Trust, Make ChatGPT Available Again in Italy Soon
Following the Garante's statement, OpenAI said that they are happy with the data protection regulator's decision to give them another chance to resume ChatGPT service in Italy.
"We are happy that the Italian Garante is reconsidering their decision and we look forward to working with them to make ChatGPT available to our customers in Italy again soon," an OpenAI spokesperson told Reuters via Live Mint. Before the Garante announced the requirements for ChatGPT's return, OpenAI executives had been in touch with Italian authorities to allay concerns about the data breach.
On a separate occasion, OpenAI also addressed the issue of age verification on ChatGPT. The company promised to make steps so that users under the age of 18 without parental consent will be restricted from the chatbot.
Aside from Italy, other countries have also expressed their concern about the rise of ChatGPT. Lawmakers are urged to pass legislation to protect the public's private information and uphold national security as the world embraces AI technology.
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