ChatGPT is back in Italy. Earlier, the chatbot was banned in the country due to security concerns. In addition, the country’s data protection authority has launched an investigation into possible policy violations on the platform. However, this popular chatbot has been re-launched in the country as OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has started working to solve various problems raised by the company.
Italy’s data protection authorities have given OpenAI until Sunday to seek permission to restart chatbot operations in the country after addressing various concerns, reported the BBC. On March 31, Italy’s data protection authority said, ‘ChatGPT has been banned due to security concerns. This decision will be implemented immediately as well as an investigation will go on against the OpenAI.’
According to the Italian watchdog, on March 20, the leak of users’ chat data and payment information came to the attention of the platform. The agency said there is no legal basis for mass collection and storage of personal data, citing the purpose of using algorithms appropriately to operate the platform.
Also, ChatGPT has no mechanism to verify the age of users. As a result, the platform will respond inappropriately to minors. OpenAI has been given 20 days to respond to questions about what measures will be taken to address authorities’ concerns, the Italian agency said. If the allegations are proven, the company will have to pay a fine of two million euros or 4 percent of the annual income.