On Thursday, Europe’s national privacy watchdogs announced the creation of a ChatGPT working force, a potential first step toward a uniform AI privacy regulation.
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB)’s action follows Italy’s unilateral ban on ChatGPT last month, which Germany’s data protection commissioner indicated may be replicated in Europe’s largest economy. In addition, on Thursday, Spain’s AEPD agency announced it would investigate ChatGPT’s data breaches.
ChatGPT, an AI program that gained attention for its ability to write answers to a wide range of queries quickly, has become the fastest-growing consumer application in history, with over 100 million monthly active users, raising concerns about safety, privacy, and jobs.
The increasing acceptance of ChatGPT and other AI technologies has alarmed experts, the U.S. government, and various European nations.
“The EDPB members discussed the recent enforcement action undertaken by the Italian data protection authority against OpenAI about the Chat GPT service,” the statement read.
“The EDPB launched a dedicated task force to foster cooperation and exchange information on possible data protection authority enforcement actions.”
One national watchdog source who requested anonymity said member nations wanted to unify their policy views, but it would take time.
The source said member nations wanted “transparent” policies, not to penalize Microsoft Corp.-backed (MSFT.O) ChatGPT owner OpenAI.
They stated Thursday’s conference comprised policy specialists who discussed ideas rather than making decisions.
National data protection watchdogs form the EDPB, an independent EU data protection organization.
The group did not respond promptly.
Spain requested the body discuss ChatGPT earlier this week.
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