AEPD Opens Investigation into ChatGPT for Data Protection Violations

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has launched a formal investigation against OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, for possible non-compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The European Data Protection Board, which includes other European data protection authorities, has set up a joint working group to address concerns about ChatGPT and its “significant impact on the rights of individuals”.

Despite the Committee’s decision, which seeks to encourage cooperation and information sharing between authorities on ChatGPT, no restrictions or bans have yet been placed on OpenAI in Spain, unlike in Italy, where the conversational chatbot was banned late last month and a set of guidelines were established for the US company to follow if it wants its flagship product to operate again within Italy.

A member of the committee who asked not to be identified told Reuters that the intention of member states is to align their policy positions, which do not include “punishing” OpenAI, but “creating policies that are transparent”. However, according to him, this will take time to materialise.

The conversational artificial intelligence revolution

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot that has become very popular in recent months. However, concerns have been raised in some European countries about the possible violation of users’ privacy. The chatbot has been criticised for a lack of transparency in the use of personal data and the possibility that users are being monitored without their knowledge.

The investigation by the AEPD and the creation of the joint working group by the European Data Protection Committee is an important step in the protection of users’ rights and the privacy of personal data in Europe. Transparency and clarity in the use of personal data by companies is crucial today, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and automation.