The latest rise of LLMs: The main concerns

The rise of AI-powered language models, such as ChatGPT, has revolutionized the way we interact with technology. These models can process natural language input and generate coherent responses, making them invaluable for a wide range of applications, from customer service to language translation. However, as these models become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, they also pose new challenges for regulators and data protection authorities around the world.

In this article I will present a few of the main concerns regarding this emerging technology that is leading us towards a new era:

Misleading outputs

One of the key concerns with ChatGPT and other language models is their potential to perpetuate and amplify existing biases and inequalities. These models are trained on vast amounts of text data, which can contain inherent biases and stereotypes. If these biases are not addressed and corrected, the language models can generate outputs that reflect and reinforce these biases, leading to discrimination and harm.

Malicious purposes

Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for ChatGPT to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading disinformation or conducting social engineering attacks. Because these models can generate highly realistic and convincing responses, they can be used to deceive and manipulate individuals and organizations.

Privacy

Finally, there are concerns about the privacy implications of using ChatGPT. As these models generate responses based on large amounts of text data, they require access to vast amounts of personal information. If this information is not properly protected and secured, it can be vulnerable to unauthorized access, theft, or misuse. Recently, Italy decided to ban ChatGPT due to privacy concerns.

While European parliamentarians disagree over the content and reach of the EU AI Act, some regulators are finding that existing tools, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that gives users control over their personal information, can apply to the rapidly emerging category of generative AI companies. Generative AI, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, relies on algorithms to generate remarkably human responses to text queries based on analyzing large volumes of data, some of which may be owned by internet users.

The Italian agency, also known as Garante, accused Microsoft Corp-backed (MSFT.O) OpenAI of failing to check the age of ChatGPT users and the "absence of any legal basis that justifies the massive collection and storage of personal data" to "train" the chatbot.

"The points they raise are fundamental and show that GDPR does offer tools for the regulators to be involved and engaged into shaping the future of AI," said Dessislava Savova, partner at law firm Clifford Chance.

Privacy regulators in France and Ireland have reached out to counterparts in Italy to find out more about the basis of the ban. Germany could follow in Italy's footsteps by blocking ChatGPT over data security concerns, the German commissioner for data protection told the Handelsblatt newspaper.

The issue of regulating ChatGPT is not unique to Germany. In fact, data protection authorities and regulators around the world are grappling with similar challenges as AI-powered language models become more prevalent. Some experts argue that the complexity and unpredictability of these models make it difficult to identify and address potential risks. Additionally, the use of large datasets to train these models raises concerns about data privacy and ownership.

On the other side

Despite these challenges, many proponents of AI-powered language models argue that they offer significant benefits for society and should be allowed to continue to develop and innovate. These models have the potential to improve communication, streamline business processes, and enhance our understanding of language and culture. As such, it is important for regulators and data protection authorities to strike a balance between promoting innovation and protecting privacy and other fundamental rights.

In conclusion, the regulation of AI-powered language models such as ChatGPT is a complex and ongoing challenge for governments and data protection authorities around the world. While concerns about privacy, bias, and discrimination are legitimate, it is also important to recognize the potential benefits that these models offer. As the debate continues, it will be important to find a balance that ensures the responsible development and use of these technologies while also protecting individual rights and freedoms.