After temporarily banning ChatGPT in March, Italy's data protection regulator Garante announced plans to evaluate further AI platforms and hire AI specialists as it increased oversight of the potent technology.
Among the 31 national data protection bodies that supervise Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Garante is one of the most proactive.
In a series of notable actions, the agency took the lead in prohibiting the operations of Replika, an AI chatbot company, imposing penalties on Clearview AI, the manufacturer of facial recognition software, and implementing limitations on TikTok within Europe.
It briefly suspended ChatGPT, an OpenAI bot supported by Microsoft Corp, in March and opened an investigation into possible privacy violations by the program.
Agostino Ghiglia, a member of Garante's board, announced our intention to initiate an extensive examination of generative and machine learning AI applications accessible online. The purpose behind this initiative is to ascertain whether these emerging tools effectively address concerns pertaining to data protection and compliance with privacy laws. In the event that further investigations are deemed necessary, we are prepared to launch new probes accordingly.
Because of ChatGPT's popularity, internet giants like Alphabet and Meta (META.O) are promoting their own versions, while legislators and governments all over the world are discussing new regulations that may take years to be put into effect.
Ghiglia expressed their current pursuit of recruiting three AI advisers. Recognizing the rapid evolution of AI tools, they understand the importance of engaging experts with a strong technical background to assist them in their data protection endeavors. These advisers will play a crucial role in enhancing their capabilities and guiding their activities in the realm of data protection.
The action is the most recent illustration of how some regulators are using pre-existing regulations to control a technology that has the potential to fundamentally alter how societies and corporations function.
Law professionals make up the Garante board's four members. Ghiglia said that the authority only has 144 employees, far fewer than its European rivals in France, Spain, and Britain. Most have legal backgrounds, according to Ghiglia.
Garante utilized GDPR principles, particularly those that safeguard minors and provide people the right to request cancellation and object to the use of their personal data, in its crackdown on ChaTGPT.