Italy has put a comedic twist on AI regulation by becoming the first Western nation to ban ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot by OpenAI. Garante, the Italian Data Protection Watchdog, is concerned that ChatGPT shows no legal basis for its “massive collection and processing of personal data” to train algorithms. “Arrivederci, ChatGPT!” said Garante last Friday.
As authorities probe a data breach that allowed users to see conversation titles, ChatGPT could be fined a hilarious sum of 20 million euros ($21.8 million) or 4% of its global yearly revenue. OpenAI and Microsoft are shaking in their boots (or stylish Italian loafers).
With ChatGPT running amok and providing factually incorrect information, AI regulations are playing catch-up. Countries like the UK are scrambling to implement guidelines and principles for AI usage, including safety, transparency, fairness, and contestability.
The European Union (EU) is seriously looking at establishing groundbreaking legislation – the European AI Act – to restrict AI uses in critical infrastructure, education, law enforcement, and the judicial system.
Germany, France, and Ireland may join Italy’s ban on ChatGPT. Meanwhile, with no formal rules for AI oversight, the US relies on voluntary guidelines for managing risks and potential harms.
China isn’t laughing as ChatGPT isn’t available in the country. But fret not, as tech giants like Baidu, Alibaba, and JD.com are working on ChatGPT alternatives. They must, however, abide by China’s strict regulations, especially regarding deepfakes and algorithm governance. The race to regulate AI continues – with or without humor!
