European Data Protection Board forms task force to tackle privacy concerns surrounding ChatGPT

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has created a task force to establish a common policy on privacy rules for artificial intelligence, including the controversial AI chatbot ChatGPT.

This move comes in response to allegations of data-gathering violations and concerns about the chatbot’s potential to facilitate cheating, disinformation, and job losses. Italy has already banned the bot and Germany’s commissioner for data protection has also expressed support for Italy’s stance. While France has opened a formal investigation following multiple complaints.

The EDPB hopes to foster cooperation and exchange information on possible enforcement actions conducted by data protection authorities, with member states aiming to align their policy positions. The task force aims to create general policies that are transparent and not designed to punish or affect the owner of ChatGPT, OpenAI. OpenAI maintains that it complies with the law and is committed to protecting privacy, but it has voluntarily blocked its services in Italy.

The EDPB is an independent body composed of the EU national data protection watchdogs, and the discussion of ChatGPT was added to the agenda at the request of Spain.