According to Italy’s data protection body Garante, ChatGPT manufacturer OpenAI aims to offer solutions on Thursday to address concerns that led to an Italian ban on the chatbot last week.
Microsoft Corporation-backed (MSFT.O) OpenAI pulled ChatGPT down in Italy after Garante briefly banned it last week and launched an investigation into a possible violation of privacy standards.
The agency accused OpenAI last week of failing to verify the age of ChatGPT users and of having “no legal basis that justifies the massive collection and storage of personal data.”
On Thursday, it said that it had no intention of halting AI development, but emphasised the need of adhering to legislation aimed at safeguarding the personal data of Italian and European residents.
OpenAI committed to being more upfront about how it manages user data and confirms the user’s age in a video conference late Wednesday, attended by CEO Sam Altman, Garante said.
On Thursday, the business said it will submit Garante a paper outlining the steps it would take in response to its requirements.
The data authority said that it will review OpenAI’s suggestions. According to a person acquainted with the situation, determining the contents of the letter will most likely take many days.
The San Francisco-based OpenAI did not reply to a request for comment on the agency’s statement.
The Italian prohibition has aroused the attention of other European privacy authorities, who are investigating if stricter restrictions are required for chatbots and whether such steps should be coordinated.
Garante prohibited AI chatbot business Replika from collecting personal data of Italian users in February, citing hazards to children and emotionally vulnerable persons.
