3 - 4 minute read
OpenAI, the artificial intelligence (AI) research lab, is facing an inquiry from German regulators over its privacy practices and compliance with the EU’s general data protection regulation (GDPR). This news follows recent scrutiny from regulators in Europe, particularly Italy, where the products were banned. The German regulators are demanding answers concerning OpenAI’s intentions and ability to comply with the strict data privacy laws enshrined in the GDPR.
Marit Hansen, commissioner for the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, stated that regulators in Germany “want to know if a data protection impact assessment has been carried out and if the data protection risks are under control.” They added that the country was also asking OpenAI for “information on issues that stem from the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).”
The core issues raised by regulators across Europe relate to the training data used to build the GPT AI models. Currently, users cannot opt out of having their data included, nor can they correct the models if they make a mistake. Under GDPR, individuals are entitled to have their data modified to reflect accuracy or removed from systems altogether. This creates a complex situation for OpenAI and its many users, especially those paying premium subscription fees for personal and business access to the company’s GPT API.
Cryptocurrency traders and analysts building advanced bots on top of the API itself, or those using third-party apps built on the API to prognosticate the market or trade autonomously in the EU, could find themselves swept up in any binding litigation or sweeping bans. If such a ban goes into effect, it could force any company or individuals using these bots for cryptocurrency trading and analysis — including exchanges, news sites, and blockchain firms — to conduct such operations outside of the EU.
OpenAI has until June 11 to respond to German regulators’ inquiries. It is unclear at this time exactly how OpenAI intends to respond, but it faces a significant challenge in complying with GDPR and Italian privacy laws. The company is already working to sort out these issues with local regulators, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop.
The Bottom Line
The GDPR inquiry into OpenAI’s privacy practices and compliance could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency market, particularly for traders and analysts building bots on top of the API. If OpenAI fails to comply with GDPR and Italian privacy laws, sweeping bans could force companies and individuals to conduct such operations outside of the EU. This could create significant risks and opportunities for traders, depending on how the situation develops. It is essential for traders to stay updated on developments in this area and to take appropriate measures to protect their interests.
