The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has taken an important step towards setting a common policy on artificial intelligence privacy rules by establishing a task force on ChatGPT. The move follows Italy’s recent unilateral decision to curb ChatGPT, and Germany’s Data Protection Commission which indicates it may follow suit. His AEPD watchdog in Spain also announced it would investigate a potential data breach by ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is an AI program that has gained attention for its ability to generate fast and comprehensive answers to a wide range of queries. With over 100 million monthly active users, it is the fastest growing consumer application of all time. But its rapid growth has raised concerns about its potential impact on safety, privacy, and employment.
Members of the EDPB discussed the recent enforcement action taken by the Italian data protection authority against OpenAI, the company that owns ChatGPT. It was then decided to set up a dedicated task force to facilitate cooperation and facilitate the exchange of information on enforcement actions that data protection authorities may take.
“The EDPB has decided to set up a dedicated task force to facilitate cooperation and exchange information on enforcement actions that may be taken by data protection authorities,” the statement read.
Member states hope to coordinate their policy positions, but sources told Reuters it would take time to develop a transparent general policy. It included policy experts who gave and exchanged views, but were not decision makers.
The EDPB oversees data protection legislation in the European Union and is made up of national data protection watchdogs. The goal is not to create policies intended to punish or enforce rules that affect OpenAI, but to create transparent general policies. Discussion of ChatGPT was added to the committee’s agenda following a request from Spain earlier this week.
(with agency input)
