PARIS: The AI program ChatGPT, created by US firm OpenAI, is facing increasing scrutiny in Europe after Italy banned it for engaging in massive data collection without a legal basis.
Now, France’s data regulator, CNIL, has confirmed it has received two complaints about the program, although it has not yet announced a full investigation.
ChatGPT has gained global popularity for its ability to generate essays, poems, and conversations from the briefest of prompts, as well as passing tough exams.
However, concerns have been raised about the program’s data collection and handling practices.
Zoe Vilain, of campaign group Janus International, filed the first complaint with CNIL, stating that when she tried to sign up for a ChatGPT account, she was not asked for consent to any general terms of use or privacy policy.
Vilain emphasized that they are not against technology but want ethical technology.
The second complaint came from David Libeau, a developer who found personal information about himself when he asked ChatGPT about his profile.
According to Libeau, when he asked for more information, the algorithm made up false stories about him, creating websites or organizing online events.
ChatGPT and AI programs
ChatGPT and similar AI programs are “trained” on huge bodies of text gleaned from the internet and are known to invent answers.
However, OpenAI stated that such “hallucinations” are less common with GPT-4, the latest version of the bot.
European authorities, including those of France, Ireland, and Germany, have approached their Italian counterpart to establish a common position on ChatGPT.
Furthermore, Canada’s data regulator announced on Tuesday that it was opening an investigation into OpenAI.
Last month, hundreds of experts, including Tesla and Twitter boss Elon Musk, called for a halt in the development of powerful AI systems, prompted by the release of GPT-4.
OpenAI has assured that it is committed to protecting people’s privacy and that the tool complies with the law.
