OpenAI's ChatGPT Returns to Italy After Addressing Regulator Concerns

OpenAI's ChatGPT is once again available in Italy after resolving issues that were raised by regulators. The Garante data protection authority blocked the chatbot in March after it raised concerns about ChatGPT's training methods and the violation of the General Data Protection Regulation.

The watchdog instructed OpenAI to add a privacy disclosure to its website, offer a form for EU users to object to having their data used for training purposes, and add an age verification system. OpenAI addressed these concerns by adding privacy controls to ChatGPT, including a feature that allows users to switch off their chat histories.

Users in Italy will now see a pop-up asking them to confirm their age and obtain consent from their parent or guardian if they are between 13 and 17 years old. Italy's data protection authority welcomed the measures implemented by OpenAI, but urged the company to follow through on other demands.

The regulator also emphasized the importance of keeping up with GDPR compliance and keeping an eye on ChatGPT.