The launch of Google’s Bard chatbot in the European Union has been delayed due to regulatory concerns. The Irish Data Protection Commission (IDPC), the primary data overseer in the EU, has required Google to postpone the rollout of Bard in the region. The generative AI chatbot was scheduled to be launched this week, but the IDPC has stated that it has not received a comprehensive privacy briefing, data impact assessment, or supporting information from Google.
According to IDPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle, the Commission is currently conducting an “ongoing examination” of Bard. The timeline for completing the investigation has not been estimated, but the IDPC intends to share information with other EU data regulators as quickly as possible.
In response to the situation, a Google spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible expansion of Bard. They stated that Google has engaged in discussions with experts and governments, and has been in communication with privacy regulators to address their questions and seek feedback.
Google began expanding access to Bard in March by allowing interested users to join a waiting list. In May, the waitlist was removed, and availability was expanded to 180 additional countries and territories. However, Politico highlights that Google has been cautious about launching Bard in the EU, where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict requirements for the collection and sharing of personal data.
Other AI developers have also faced increased scrutiny in Europe. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is currently being investigated by Germany, Italy, and Spain in collaboration with the European Data Protection Board. Italy temporarily banned the use of ChatGPT due to concerns that both the chatbot and its training methods, which involve using real-world content from others, may violate GDPR regulations. The delay in launching Bard potentially minimizes the likelihood of similar conflicts arising for Google.
The postponement of Bard’s launch in the EU underscores the importance of complying with data protection regulations, particularly in regions with stringent requirements like the GDPR. As AI technologies continue to evolve, ensuring privacy and data protection will remain critical considerations for developers and regulators alike.
