Italy Becomes The First EU Country To Ban ChatGPT
Italy has become the first EU country to ban ChatGPT – the powerful AI chatbot developed by OpenAI and backed by Microsoft – due to privacy concerns.
The country’s data protection authority is initiating an investigation into OpenAI, following a data breach that exposed user conversations and payment data.
ChatGPT has experienced rapid growth since its launch in November 2022, with millions of users worldwide, but its potential risks, such as job displacement and misinformation, have raised alarm bells.
Following Italy’s ban, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) is urging authorities to further investigate all major AI chatbots. Several countries, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, have already restricted access to ChatGPT.
Ursula Pachl, Deputy Director of BEUC, warned that consumers may not be fully prepared for “how manipulative, how deceptive” AI chatbot technology can be.
Italy’s decision is drawing interest from other European countries as they consider whether their own measures are required to control rapidly emerging generative AI companies.
Some regulators believe existing tools, like the GDPR, which gives users control over their personal information, may apply in these situations.
Do you think ChatGPT should be banned in Malta?