OpenAI blocks access to ChatGPT from Italy

It has become clear that OpenAI , an artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory, has begun to block access from Italy to ChatGPT, a chat AI. This follows an order by the Italian data protection authority to 'stop processing data of Italians'.

Italy orders ChatGPT blocked citing data protection concerns | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/31/chatgpt-blocked-italy/

OpenAI geoblocks ChatGPT in Italy | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/01/chatgpt-blocked-in-italy/

Italian minister says country's ban on ChatGPT is excessive | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/italian-minister-says-countrys-ban-chatgpt-is-excessive-2023-04-02/

On March 31, 2023, Garante, an Italian data protection agency, launched an investigation saying, ``There are concerns that OpenAI's ChatGPT violates the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).'' Specifically, there was concern that ChatGPT was processing user data illegally, and the lack of a system to prevent minors from accessing ChatGPT was also regarded as a problem. Additionally, Garante has ordered OpenAI to block access to ChatGPT from Italy.

Intelligenza artificiale: il Garante blocca ChatGPT. Raccolta illecita di... - Garante Privacy
https://www.gpdp.it/web/guest/home/docweb/-/docweb-display/docweb/9870847

On April 1, 2023 local time, OpenAI began blocking access to ChatGPT from Italian IP addresses in accordance with this order. When accessing ChatGPT with an Italian IP address, a notice on the website reads, ``We regret to inform you that OpenAI has disabled access to users in Italy at the request of a data protection authority.'' It will be displayed. In addition, OpenAI wrote, 'We will work with Garante with the goal of restoring access as soon as possible,' and will do our best to restore access to Italian users.

OpenAI explains that users who subscribed to ChatGPT's paid version 'ChatGPT Plus' in March 2023 will be refunded. It also said that it is 'pausing' subscription renewals so as not to charge users while access from Italy is blocked.

Paid version 'ChatGPT Plus' that can be used for 2600 yen per month finally appeared - GIGAZINE

OpenAI only applies simple geoblocking to ChatGPT. Therefore, TechCrunch, an overseas media, pointed out that `` Italians can easily use ChatGPT by using a VPN .'' However, if you create a ChatGPT account in Italy, the account itself may be blocked.

OpenAI has said it will work to make the service available in Italy as soon as possible, but ``it is not clear how OpenAI will be able to address the compliance issues raised by Garante,'' TechCrunch points out. I'm here. If a violation of the GDPR is confirmed, the company may be fined 4% of annual sales or 20 million euros (about 2.87 billion yen), whichever is greater.

According to Gabriela Zanfir, vice president of the Future of Privacy Forum , a think tank focused on data privacy, OpenAI does not have a major presence in the EU, so any EU data protection authority has the power to regulate ChatGPT. It will be possible for the authorities of all other EU member states to intervene and investigate and impose fines in a relatively short time if they discover violations. This means that OpenAI is now threatened with the highest levels of fines, without any time to implement the delay practices that other tech companies have used to slow privacy protections in Europe.

Last but not least - this is a wake up call that #GDPR , #Article8 Charter, data protection law in general & particularly in the EU IS APPLICABLE TO AI SYSTEMS today, right now, and it has important guardrails in place, if they are 18/????

— Dr. Gabriela Zanfir-Fortuna (@gabrielazanfir) March 31, 2023

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini commented on Garante's restrictions on ChatGPT, saying on his Instagram account, 'I think the privacy agency's decision to force ChatGPT to block access from Italy is an excessive request.' I am referring to In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Salvini criticized Garante's regulation as 'hypocritical' and pointed out that 'privacy issues are relevant to virtually all online services.'

Deputy Prime Minister Salvini also said banning access to ChatGPT could have a negative impact on Italy's business and innovation, and hopes a quick solution will be found and Italy will be able to restore access to ChatGPT. is also written.

In addition, Bloomberg asked Garante for a comment on Deputy Prime Minister Salvini's post, but it seems that the reply was refused.