Spain opens investigation into Open AI over ChatGPT

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) announced Thursday that it has opened an investigation into American artificial intelligence research company Open AI over its ChatGPT generative AI platform.

In a statement, Spain’s privacy watchdog said ChatGPT may be violating Spanish regulations.

Last week, the AEPD also asked the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) to discuss ChatGPT.

“Global data processing that may have a significant impact on people’s rights requires harmonized and coordinated actions at the European level,” said the AEPD.

Last week, Italy became the world’s first country to ban ChatGPT after Rome’s data protection watchdog ordered OpenAI to cease processing Italian users’ data amid an investigation into whether it was violating laws.

On Wednesday, Italy said OpenAI could resume service at the end of April if it complied with several requirements related to consent, data collection, age restrictions and transparency.

After discussing ChatGPT on Thursday, the EU privacy body decided to create a task force to examine whether the groundbreaking artificial intelligence program is in breach of strict EU privacy rules.

Spain’s watchdog says that its investigation is working in parallel with the EU task force and in coordination with its national counterparts.

“The agency advocates for the development and implementation of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence while fully respecting current legislation...Only from this starting point can technological development be compatible with the rights and freedoms of individuals,” said the statement.