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Data Regulator Says Germany May Block ChatGPT

By  |  April 3, 2023

The German commissioner for data protection stated to the Handelsblatt newspaper on Monday that Germany may consider blocking ChatGPT due to data security concerns, mirroring Italy’s actions.

OpenAI, which is supported by Microsoft, suspended the operation of ChatGPT in Italy on Friday due a temporary ban by the national data agency. The agency is investigating a possible violation of privacy regulations by the AI application.

“In principle, such action is also possible in Germany,” Ulrich Kelber said, adding that this would fall under state jurisdiction. He did not, however, outline any such plans.

Read more: Italy Bans ChatGPT Over Privacy Concerns

Kelber stated that Germany has requested additional details from Italy regarding their ban. Privacy watchdogs in France and Ireland have also reached out to the Italian data regulator to address their discoveries.

“We are following up with the Italian regulator to understand the basis for their action and we will coordinate with all EU data protection authorities in relation to this matter,” said a spokesperson for Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner (DPC).