Europe, US urged to investigate the type of AI that powers systems like ChatGPT

The European Union (EU) is nearing completion of the world's first comprehensive set of regulations for AI technology. However, these regulations are not expected to come into effect for another two years. In light of this, consumer protection groups have called on European and U.S. leaders to utilize existing laws and introduce new legislation to address the potential harms posed by generative AI.

These groups referred to a report from the Norwegian Consumer Council, which highlighted various dangers associated with AI chatbots. These risks include disseminating incorrect medical information, manipulating individuals, generating fabricated news articles, and unlawfully utilizing vast amounts of personal data obtained from the internet.

Consumer groups from countries such as Italy, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Greece, and Denmark expressed concerns that although the EU's AI Act tackles some of these issues, it will not become applicable for several years. This delay leaves consumers inadequately protected in the meantime, as the technology continues to develop rapidly without sufficient regulation.

Certain authorities have already taken action in response. Italy's privacy watchdog, for instance, ordered OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, to temporarily halt the processing of users' personal information while investigating a potential data breach. Similarly, France, Spain, and Canada have initiated inquiries into OpenAI and its AI system, ChatGPT.