Italy to Keep AI in Check with More Reviews

Garante, an Italian data protection agency, indicated it would increase scrutiny of AI systems operating in the country. The move follows forcing Microsoft-backed ChatGPT to make changes to become compliant with privacy rules following a temporary ban.

The agency banned ChatGPT in March and launched a probe into suspected privacy breaches, using provisions of GDPR, which resulted in the platform’s developer OpenAI making changes to regain compliance. Garante board member Agostino Ghiglia told Reuters the agency now plans to conduct a wide-scope review of generative and machine learning AI applications because it wanted to understand if these new tools are addressing issues linked to data protection and privacy laws compliance. He also threatened the launch of probes if necessary.

As part of its AI attack plan, Ghiglia said it had also begun the process to recruit three AI advisers, while the agency mainly hires people from a law background as it looks to use a legal framework to deal with threats emerging from the rapidly evolving technology. In its scrutiny of ChatGPT, the agency tackled issues based on potential breaches of privacy laws, noting any other route was not possible, as it will likely take years for potential new legislation to regulate AI to come into force. While Garante has moved swiftly, other countries are now beginning the process of reviewing the impact of generative AI.