Italy Launches Investigations on OpenAI Over Alleged Misuse of User Data

Regulators in Italy have launched an investigation on OpenAI after its video-making AI tool, Sora, was allegedly found processing user data. This is the second time that Italy is investigating OpenAI, the first being after its AI tool, ChatGPT-3.5 and higher versions were found to process data from users.

The Italian government has asked OpenAI to submit a report on Sora within 20 days. The allegations and investigations come at a time when the European Union is seriously considering various regulations over the use of AI. These regulations are expected to be issued shortly after a thorough study and consensus are reached between various EU member states.

Furthermore, the Italian government has asked OpenAI to declare whether Sora is available to users in Italy and sought clarifications over its offerings in the EU. Similar concerns have also been raised by various other EU member states, according to news reports.

Sora, an AI-based video-making tool was released as a Beta version in mid-February by OpenAI. Sora can create real-life-like videos of up to 180 seconds or three minutes, based on voice prompts.

However, initial tests proved that such videos were rife with blunders caused by inherent errors in Sora programming. OpenAI had promised to rectify these within a few weeks.

San Francisco-based OpenAI is backed by Microsoft and Alphabet’s Google to enhance their online services offered around the world. The company has seen several management upheavals over its CEO Sam Altman, in recent months.

In February, OpenAI launched an online store for persons worldwide to purchase its products including the latest versions of its popular ChatGPT-4 and Sora. The company has also rolled out over three million AI-based chatbots, though it remains unclear where these are deployed or are available for subscription through the online store.