A top official stated that after temporarily banning ChatGPT in March, Garante would study other AI platforms and hire AI experts.
Garante is one of the most proactive of Europe’s 31 national data protection authorities that enforce the GDPR. For example, the agency was the first to prohibit Replika, penalize Clearview AI, and limit TikTok in Europe.
It briefly banned Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O)-backed OpenAI’s bot ChatGPT and initiated a privacy investigation in March.
“We plan to kick off a wide-scope review of generative and machine learning AI applications which are available online because we want to understand if these new tools are addressing issues linked to data protection and privacy laws compliance – and we will start new probes, if needed,” said Garante board member Agostino Ghiglia.
The popularity of ChatGPT has inspired digital giants like Alphabet (GOOGL.O) and Meta (META.O) to promote their versions, while lawmakers and governments worldwide are discussing new regulations that might take years to enforce.
“We are looking for three AI advisers because we are aware AI tools are evolving very quickly and we need experts with tech background to help us in our data protection activity,” Ghiglia added.
This is the latest example of regulators using current laws to restrict a technology that might disrupt society and corporations.
The Garante board has four legal specialists. Ghiglia said the authority had 144 employees, fewer than France, Spain, and Britain. Ghiglia said most lawyers.
Garante used GDPR laws to crack down on ChaTGPT, including those that protect underage children and allow individuals to request cancellation and object to data use.
OpenAI modified its chatbot to comply when Garante took action.
“We simply explore digital tools and applications once they’re available,” Ghiglia added. “We discovered ChatGPT violated EU data privacy laws.” AI regulation will take years to implement. Ghiglia stated, “That’s why we decided to act swiftly with ChatGPT.”
