Italy's Data Protection Authority has initiated a thorough "fact-finding" investigation into the practices surrounding data collection utilized for training artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. This move aims to scrutinize whether both public and private websites employ adequate security measures to deter AI algorithm developers' "spiders" from "web scraping" personal data used in AI training through third-party sources.
The investigation encompasses all public and private entities functioning as data controllers or offering services in Italy that grant free online access to personal data. While not specifying any particular entities, the regulator highlighted the prevalence of "various artificial intelligence platforms" engaged in vast-scale scraping of personal data across the internet. It emphasized the potential implementation of necessary measures, even urgently, following the investigation's conclusion. Notably, Google faced a class-action lawsuit in the United States in July for its privacy policy related to AI data scraping in web services meant to train its AI algorithms.
Italian regulators have extended invitations to AI industry experts, academics, and others to contribute views or comments within a 60-day timeframe as part of this investigative process.
Italy's Data Protection Authority has been among the frontrunners in scrutinizing artificial intelligence. In March 2023, it prohibited the operation of the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT in Italy due to privacy breaches. Additionally, in May, Italy established a multi-million-euro fund specifically designated for workers vulnerable to displacement due to Artificial Intelligence replacement.
In recent developments, Italy, France, and Germany have reached a mutual agreement regarding the future regulation of artificial intelligence. As per a joint document seen by Reuters, this accord is poised to facilitate similar discussions at the EU level. These nations are advocating for the adoption of voluntary commitments by AI providers, both large and small, within the EU.
