Google, the tech giant known for its innovative products and services, has encountered a roadblock in launching its highly anticipated artificial intelligence chatbot, Bard, in the European Union (EU). The Irish Data Protection Commission, serving as Google’s main data regulator in the EU under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), has expressed concerns regarding the privacy safeguards implemented by the tech company.
The Irish regulator stated that Google has not provided adequate information regarding how Bard, the generative AI tool, ensures the privacy of European users. Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle highlighted that the Data Protection Commission has not received a comprehensive briefing or access to crucial documentation such as a data protection impact assessment. These omissions have raised doubts about the level of protection Bard offers to EU citizens’ personal data.
Consequently, the EU launch of Bard, initially slated for this week, has been postponed until Google addresses the privacy concerns raised by the Irish Data Protection Commission. The commission has urgently requested a detailed assessment from Google, seeking answers to additional questions about Bard’s compliance with the stringent data protection rules outlined in the GDPR. The regulator views this matter as a priority and has emphasized the need for swift action.
The ongoing examination conducted by the Irish regulator will be shared with other data protection authorities across Europe. Collaboration and information sharing among EU regulators are vital to ensure a consistent approach to data privacy and to address potential risks associated with emerging technologies like AI chatbots.
It is worth noting that Google has already launched Bard in 180 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, where it competes with other AI chatbot offerings such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Bing Chat. However, the company has been cautious about launching Bard in EU countries due to the EU’s robust privacy regulations and the previous scrutiny faced by ChatGPT. European privacy authorities in Italy, Germany, and Spain have initiated investigations into ChatGPT, leading to its temporary ban in Italy. In response to these challenges, the European Data Protection Board has formed a task force dedicated to evaluating the compliance of AI tools like ChatGPT with the GDPR.
Google, aware of the importance of privacy and the need to address regulatory concerns, has expressed its commitment to engaging with experts, regulators, and policymakers. The company aims to ensure a responsible and privacy-conscious launch of Bard in the EU. Google’s spokesperson acknowledged ongoing discussions with privacy regulators and emphasized their willingness to address the questions and feedback raised during the evaluation process.
As the development and deployment of AI technologies continue to evolve, ensuring data protection and privacy safeguards remains a critical priority for both technology companies and regulatory bodies. The postponement of Bard’s EU launch underscores the significance of complying with data protection regulations and proactively addressing privacy concerns, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding individuals’ personal information in an increasingly digital world.
