Rome: Italy has blocked ChatGPT with immediate effect, thus becoming the first EU country to ban the advanced Artificial Intelligence software.
The Italian Data Protection Authority said that its main issue with the Microsoft-backed chatbot developed by US startup OpenAI was user privacy.
A data breach affecting ChatGPT users’ conversations and information on payments by subscribers was reported on March 20, the Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali) said.
An investigation against ChatGPT and US company OpenAI has been initiated.
“No way for ChatGPT to continue processing data in breach of privacy laws. The Italian SA imposed an immediate temporary limitation on the processing of Italian users’ data by OpenAI, the US-based company developing and managing the platform. An inquiry into the facts of the case was initiated as well,” the stated on its website.
The Italian watchdog said that OpenAI has to notify within 20 days the measures implemented to comply with the order. Otherwise, a fine of up to 20 million euros or 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover may be imposed.
There have been a lot apprehensions about ChatGPT since it was introduced in November 2022. Capable of emulating and elaborate human conversations among other actions, many feel that ChatGPT could lead to humans losing jobs.
Countries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea have blocked ChatGPT.
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