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.