(Reuters) – Canadian privacy authorities have launched a joint inquiry into ChatGPT-parent OpenAI’s data gathering and use, making Canada the fourth major country to examine the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
According to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, the federal privacy regulator, together with equivalents in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, will examine whether OpenAI acquired permission for the collection, use, and dissemination of personal information of Canadians through ChatGPT.
A request for comment from Reuters was not immediately responded to by OpenAI.
The release of chatbot phenomenon ChatGPT has fuelled an AI competition among tech titans such as Alphabet Inc and Meta, placing governments in a bind as they consider legislation to restrict the use of the radically new technology.
In response to questions, ChatGPT may create articles, essays, jokes, and even poetry. In late November, OpenAI, a private startup sponsored by Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), made it freely accessible to the public.
The Canadian investigation will also look at whether the business met “its obligations concerning openness and transparency, access, accuracy, and accountability.”
“As this is an active investigation, no additional details are available,” the commissioner’s office stated, adding that the probe’s conclusions will be made public.