ChatGPT is OpenAI’s proprietary chatbot that was released in November 2022. This conversational style AI machine has been trained using generative pre-trained transformer models and subsequently fine-tuned using human-supervised and reinforcement learning techniques.
With the core function of a chatbot being to mimic a human conversationalist, ChatGPT supersedes those functionalities with abilities like music composition, answering test questions, write poetry and song lyrics, write and debug computer programs, and remember previous prompts and instructions given in a particular chat. ChatGPT also has multiple limitations, like limited knowledge of events that occurred after September 2021, and a worrisome algorithmic bias.
According to recent reports from NPR, and a tweet from the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, the Italian government has temporarily blocked ChatGPT, making it the first country to make an open stand against the chatbot that relies on user input in order to learn. This development comes days after the open letter that called for the six months pause on advancements in generative AI technologies like GPT-4 was released.
Furthermore, the report states that the Italian data protection agency wants the AI software blocked while it investigates their parent company, OpenAI. The agency questioned the company’s data collection practices and whether the vast data being retained is legal, with another fixation being the absence of an age verification system to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.
OpenAI has been given 20 days to respond to the agency’s legal and privacy concerns, or the company could face a $21 million fine or 4% of its annual revenue.
