12:19
17:14
11:18
10:55
17:31
13:41
12:19
17:14
11:18
10:55
17:31
13:41
12:19
17:14
11:18
10:55
17:31
13:41
12:19
17:14
11:18
10:55
17:31
13:41
The statement indicates that the concerns brought up by data protection regulators have been dealt with or explained.
OpenAI, a leading AI research laboratory, has announced that it has resolved issues raised by the Italian Data Protection Authority (GPDP) and restored access to its ChatGPT service in Italy. In late March, the GPDP accused ChatGPT of unlawfully collecting user data and failing to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate material, leading OpenAI to block ChatGPT in Italy. OpenAI was given 20 days to address the issues, and regulators said in mid-April that ChatGPT could return if it did so by April 30th.
To address the GPDP's concerns, OpenAI implemented several changes, including providing a new form for European Union (EU) users to request removal of their personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). OpenAI also introduced a new tool to verify the ages of users during the signup process in Italy. Additionally, the company published a help center article outlining how OpenAI and ChatGPT collect personal information and provided information on how to contact its GDPR-mandated data protection officer.
OpenAI's efforts have been positively received by the GPDP, which said in a statement that it "welcomes the measures OpenAI implemented." However, the GPDP also urged OpenAI to comply with further age verification changes and a publicity campaign to inform Italians about their right to opt out of data gathering.
While these changes do not seem to dramatically modify how ChatGPT operates in Italy, OpenAI may face further challenges in other countries. For example, Spain, Canada, and other countries have either opened or considered opening investigations into OpenAI's practices, including how it collects training data for its large language model and what information that model produces for users. Furthermore, European lawmakers are advancing the AI Act, which could add additional requirements for companies like OpenAI, potentially involving significant new information disclosures.