A Vienna-based privacy campaign group, NOYB (“None of Your Business”), announced on Monday that they plan to file a complaint against ChatGPT in Austria. The flagship AI tool, known for providing hallucinating answers, invents incorrect responses that even its creator OpenAI cannot correct. The group expressed concerns that there is no way to guarantee the accuracy of the information generated by the program.
NOYB argued that inaccuracies in the data produced by ChatGPT are unacceptable, especially when it comes to personal information. EU law mandates that personal data must be accurate, and if a system cannot consistently produce reliable and transparent results, it should not be used to generate data about individuals. Maartje de Graaf, a data protection lawyer at NOYB, emphasized the importance of technology complying with legal requirements.
The campaign group highlighted an incident where ChatGPT provided incorrect information about the birth date of NOYB founder Max Schrems instead of informing users that it lacked the necessary data. OpenAI reportedly refused to correct or remove the inaccurate data, claiming it was impossible to do so. Additionally, the company failed to adequately respond to Schrems’s request to access his personal data, further violating EU laws.
Since its introduction in November 2022, ChatGPT has garnered attention for its impressive capabilities in generating text quickly. However, concerns and criticisms surrounding the technology have led to legal actions in various countries. Italy temporarily blocked the program in March 2023, and France initiated an investigation following complaints. In response to these issues, a European working group has been established to enhance coordination on AI regulation, although organizations like NOYB remain skeptical about the effectiveness of authorities in regulating AI.
NOYB claimed that OpenAI has not provided clarity on the source of the data or what information ChatGPT stores about individuals. The group argued that this lack of transparency is a major concern for privacy advocates who want to ensure that their personal information is protected from misuse.
The campaign group also highlighted an incident where ChatGPT provided incorrect information about Schrems’s birth date instead of informing users that it lacked the necessary data. OpenAI reportedly refused to correct or remove the inaccurate data despite being informed about its error.
The complaint filed by NOYB against ChatGPT highlights growing concerns over AI regulation and privacy protection across Europe. As more businesses adopt AI technologies and incorporate them into their operations, there is a need for greater scrutiny and oversight to ensure their safe use and compliance with legal requirements.
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