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Italy blocks chatbot ChatGPT for privacy reasons. Is this the beginning of the end of this technology? Blick asked AI expert Kevin Schawinski (41). The studied astrophysicist is the co-founder and CEO of “Modulos”, an ETH spin-off committed to “Responsible AI” in the software industry.
Blick: Mr. Schawinski, ChatGPT is blocked in Italy. Why?
Kevin Schawinsky: It is not entirely clear on what legal basis Italy has blocked ChatGPT, but it seems that our neighbors are referring to the major European data protection law GDPR. It regulates how companies may use personal data. You can see the application of this law on a daily basis by accepting or refusing cookies in your browser.
Is it about whether the chatbot is dangerous?
No. These discussions do exist, but they are more about consumer and data protection. How does ChatGPT collect our data? How does it store them? Who has access to this?
Are you talking about regulation?
Yes. What I find particularly interesting is that Italians are now applying a data protection law that has been around for years. For years there has been discussion about how to specifically regulate AI.
The GDPR is a European data protection law. Does this mean other countries should follow suit if ChatGPT breaks this law?
Yes, that can certainly have a signaling effect. It remains to be seen which countries will follow and how soon.
How will this affect Switzerland?
Although Switzerland is not part of the EU, it – like the Americans incidentally – also had to adapt to European data protection legislation. If EU countries start regulating AI now, Switzerland will have to follow suit.
Now what is your advice to ChatGPT users?
There was data abuse at OpenAI, so by the operators of ChatGPT. They didn’t say much about what exactly happened. But I would generally be very careful about personal data being entered into the system.
Do you mean I shouldn’t ask ChatGPT to write something about my family and fill in all personal details?
For example. It is important to know that everything you type into this chatbot is collected. And possibly this data will be used to train future generations of AI.
Are there any other precautions for users?
You just need to know that this AI doesn’t always give the right answer. It cannot distinguish between fact and fiction. If I ask her to research a topic and find sources for me, she can make up sources.
Is this the beginning of the end of ChatGPT?
I don’t consider that likely. It is possible that OpenAI will make some changes to ChatGPT after this blocking to comply with European legislation. Then there are negotiations back and forth. But the technology will certainly not disappear because of this. It is rather the start of a discussion with the EU with the tenor: yes, but please according to our rules, according to European rules.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
