Germany’s data protection watchdog could ban ChatGPT like its counterpart in Italy if it finds reasons to do so, local media reported on Monday.
Ulrich Kelber, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, said the agency is communicating with the Italian regulator to learn more about their findings.
“In principle, such action is also possible in Germany,” Kelber said.
Germany’s Data Protection and Freedom of Information Commission (BfDI) is not the only European data privacy regulator taking a closer look at Italy’s ChatGPT ban. Irish and French regulators have reportedly also been in contact with Italy’s data protection agency.
“We are following up with the Italian regulator to understand the basis for their action and we will coordinate with all EU data protection authorities in relation to this matter,” an Irish Data Protection Commission spokesperson said.
OpenAI Pulls Service From Italy
Following the news of Italy’s decision to ban ChatGPT on March 31, new details have come to light. The Italian Data Protection Authority ordered OpenAI to temporarily cease processing user data in the country for falling foul of the GDPR.
According to an Italian legal services firm, OpenAI pulled its services from the country to avoid facing a EUR 20 million (about $22 million) fine.
Italian authorities cited a March 20 breach, which allegedly exposed users’ first and last names, billing addresses, and credit card details for nine hours. The regulator also noted that ChatGPT has no legal basis for collecting and processing user data to “train” its algorithms.
Furthermore, OpenAI does not have any presence in the European Union (EU) and does not have sufficient checks and protections for users under 13 years old.
ChatGPT and AI Tools Raise Cybersecurity Concerns
The latest developments with EU regulators could signal impending restrictions on ChatGPT in the region. Pundits have since voiced concerns about privacy violations, particularly regarding user prompts and other data used to train ChatGPT.
ChatGPT and other AI tools have also raised concerns among cybersecurity experts. Cybercriminals are exploiting ChatGPT and the massive interest in the AI tool to further their nefarious agenda.
Shortly after OpenAI made the tool public, malicious actors flooded app stores with fake ChatGPT apps. In March, Europol released a report highlighting ChatGPT’s potential for criminal use. Security firm McAfee has also published a report highlighting the role AI tools play in masking fraudulent activity, including online dating scams.
But things aren’t all gloomy. Cybersecurity firm Sophos recently shared its vision of how ChatGPT can be used to support the efforts of cyber defenders.
