On Monday, a Vienna-based privacy campaign group announced their intention to file a complaint against ChatGPT in Austria. The group, NOYB (“None of Your Business”), claimed that the flagship AI tool, known for providing hallucinating answers, invents incorrect responses that even its creator OpenAI cannot correct. They expressed concerns that there is no way to guarantee the accuracy of the information generated by the program.
Despite acknowledging this issue, OpenAI has not provided clarity on the source of the data or what information ChatGPT stores about individuals. NOYB argued that inaccuracies in the data produced by ChatGPT are unacceptable, especially when it comes to personal information. EU law mandates that personal data must be accurate, and if a system cannot consistently produce reliable and transparent results, it should not be used to generate data about individuals. Maartje de Graaf, a data protection lawyer at NOYB, emphasized the importance of technology complying with legal requirements.
One incident highlighted by NOYB was when ChatGPT provided incorrect information about the birth date of NOYB founder Max Schrems instead of informing users that it lacked the necessary data. OpenAI reportedly refused to correct or remove the inaccurate data, claiming it was impossible to do so. Additionally, the company failed to adequately respond to Schrems’s request to access his personal data, further violating EU laws.
Since its introduction in November 2022, ChatGPT has gained attention for its impressive capabilities in generating text quickly. However, concerns and criticisms surrounding the technology have led to legal actions in various countries. Italy temporarily blocked the program in March 2023, and France initiated an investigation following complaints. In response to these issues, a European working group has been established to enhance coordination on AI regulation; however organizations like NOYB remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
NOYB’s complaint against ChatGPT highlights growing concerns around privacy and accuracy with AI systems generating personal information. As technology continues to advance rapidly and more companies implement similar tools, there is a need for greater regulation and oversight to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect individual rights.
In conclusion, as we continue down this path towards increased reliance on AI systems for generating personal information