Italian Deputy PM Criticism Of Chatbot ChatGPT Ban For Privacy Reasons

JAKARTA - The Italian Deputy Prime Minister on Sunday 2 April criticized the government's Data Protection Authority's decision to temporarily ban chatbot ChatGPT, saying the blocking over privacy concerns seemed excessive.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI disabled ChatGPT in Italy on Friday March 31 after the national data agency expressed concern over possible privacy breaches and for failing to verify that users were 13 years of age or older, as requested.

The move by the government-independent agency made Italy the first Western country to take action against chatbots powered by artificial intelligence.

"In my opinion, the decision of the Privacy Supervisor to force #ChatGPT to prevent access from Italy is too much," Matteo Salvini, who is the leader of the League ruling coalition party, said in an Instagram post.

Salvini, who also serves as minister of transportation, said regulatory measures are "hypocritic" and that common sense is needed because "private concerns almost all online services".

Since its launch last year, ChatGPT has sparked technological craze, prompting competitors to launch similar products and companies to integrate that technology or similar technologies into their applications and products.

OpenAI, which disabled ChatGPT for users in Italy on the request of the agency, said on Friday it was actively seeking to reduce the use of personal data in training their AI systems such as ChatGPT.

"We look forward to working with (the Italian data agency) and teaching them about how our system is built and used," OpenAI said.

According to Salvisi, the ban could harm national businesses and innovations. He added that he hoped a quick solution would be found and chatbot access to Italy could be restored.

"Every technological revolution brings major changes, risks, and opportunities. It is important to control and regulate through international cooperation between regulators and legislators, but it cannot be blocked," he said.