Tech

OpenAI under fire over EU data privacy rules for young users

Published

10 months ago

January 31, 2024

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is facing potential fines following accusations of breaching Europe’s flagship data privacy law.

Italy’s Data Protection Authority, known as the Garante, has informed OpenAI about the alleged data protection breaches, although specific details regarding the nature of these breaches and potential actions against the tech firm have not been disclosed.

The primary concern appears to revolve around OpenAI’s failure to adequately monitor content for young users, which has raised worries that younger individuals may be exposed to inappropriate material generated by the chatbot.

OpenAI’s platform requires users to be at least 13 years old, with those under 18 needing parental or legal guardian permission, as stated on its website.

OpenAI’s practices

Furthermore, the Italian watchdog is examining OpenAI’s practices related to the collection of user data for training its chatbot. The Garante has indicated that available evidence suggests violations of provisions within the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This development marks the latest episode in a series of actions taken by Italian authorities concerning OpenAI’s AI tool.

Italy previously imposed a temporary ban on ChatGPT last year, which was the first of its kind in Europe. The ban was subsequently lifted after OpenAI addressed privacy concerns.

Data protection

Under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, companies found in violation of data protection rules can face fines of up to 4% of their global revenue.

It remains uncertain whether OpenAI could face another ban in connection with the Garante’s latest actions.

OpenAI has issued a statement disputing the Italian agency’s claims.

The company asserts that its practices are in alignment with GDPR and other privacy laws and emphasises its commitment to safeguarding user data and privacy.

OpenAI also pledges to actively work on reducing personal data usage in training its systems and states its rejection of requests for private or sensitive information about individuals.

The company further intends to continue cooperating constructively with the Garante.

Regulatory scrutiny

This latest development adds to the challenges facing OpenAI, which has also been subject to increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny in the United States.

Antitrust authorities in both the US and Europe have shown interest in investigating the relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI, raising concerns about potential competition issues.

These concerns intensified after Microsoft played a significant role in reinstating OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who had briefly been removed from his position by the AI company last year.

Leaders

Decentralisation is positioned to redefine internet infrastructure

Published

1 week ago

November 22, 2024

ticker NEWS

Depin technology is empowering users, allowing individuals to own, store, and curate their own data.

Depin is redefining how the internet operates by decentralising physical infrastructure, enabling users to own, store, and control their data.

This groundbreaking approach utilises decentralised nodes to enhance speed, security, and resilience while reducing dependence on centralised providers.

The technology offers a user-powered network that removes the vulnerabilities inherent in traditional centralised systems, addressing issues like outages and censorship.

By creating a decentralised ecosystem with over 13,500 nodes globally, it builds a more robust and accessible internet experience.

The concept borrows principles from blockchain and cryptocurrencies, enabling individuals to participate directly in network management.

CEO and co-founder of Influx Technologies, Daniel Keller, joins to discuss the transformative data technology.

News

US allocates $1.5 billion for GlobalFoundries chip expansion

US finalizes $1.5 billion chip subsidy for GlobalFoundries to boost production in New York and Vermont amid broader $52.7 billion initiative.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

ticker NEWS

The U.S. Commerce Department has finalised a $1.5 billion subsidy for GlobalFoundries to expand semiconductor production in New York and Vermont.

This contract follows a preliminary award revealed in February, tied to GlobalFoundries’ commitment to invest $13 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade.

The expansion will enhance GlobalFoundries’ facility in Malta, New York, incorporating advanced technologies used in its Singapore and German sites. This upgrade will enable the production of chips primarily for the automotive industry.

New York state will contribute an additional $550 million for the project. GlobalFoundries also plans to establish a new fabrication plant in Malta to produce chips catering to automotive, AI, aerospace, and defence markets.

GlobalFoundries CEO Thomas Caulfield emphasised the importance of these chips for U.S. economic stability, supply chains, and national security. He stated the funding is essential for meeting customer needs for American-made chips.

This award is part of the broader “Chips and Science” program, which has allocated $52.7 billion for semiconductor projects. Recently, a $6.6 billion subsidy was awarded to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s U.S. operations.

Other significant allocations include $6.4 billion for Samsung in Texas, $8.5 billion for Intel, and $6.1 billion for Micron Technology.

On another note, GlobalFoundries faced a $500,000 penalty for unauthorised chip shipments to a Chinese affiliate, for which they expressed regret.

News

Instagram introduces feature to reset content recommendations

Instagram introduces feature to reset content recommendations, allowing users to refresh algorithmic feeds in just a few clicks.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2024

ticker NEWS

Instagram will soon allow users to reset their personalized content recommendations entirely.

This new feature is set to roll out globally, providing users a way to clear algorithmic content in Feeds, Explore, and Reels.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, emphasizes its commitment to creating safe experiences on the platform, particularly for teen users.

The aim is to help users, especially younger ones, adjust their Instagram experience to better reflect their changing interests.

Users can clear their recommendations in just a few taps, allowing the algorithm to start personalizing content anew based on future interactions.

Additionally, before resetting, users will have the option to review their current accounts and decide on unfollowing accounts, aiding in the formation of new recommendations.