Google has been forced to delay the launch of its artificial intelligence chatbot Bard in the European Union (EU) after the Irish Data Protection Commission, the company’s main data regulator in the bloc, raised privacy concerns. The regulator stated that Google had not provided sufficient information about how its generative AI tool protects the privacy of Europeans, making an EU launch unjustifiable under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle confirmed that Google had informed the Data Protection Commission of its intention to launch Bard in the EU this week. However, the Irish regulator has requested a detailed assessment from the tech giant and is waiting for answers to additional questions about Bard’s compliance with EU data protection rules. As a result, Bard’s launch in the EU has been postponed indefinitely.
The Irish regulator is currently examining the issue and plans to share information with other European data agencies as soon as possible. While Google has rolled out Bard to 180 countries since March, including the United States and the United Kingdom, it has steered clear of EU countries due to the scrutiny from privacy regulators. ChatGPT, a similar generative-AI tool developed by OpenAI, has faced investigations and temporary bans in Italy, Germany, and Spain over concerns of mishandling data and lacking a legal basis for its algorithm under the GDPR.
A Google spokesperson stated that the company aimed to make Bard more widely available, including in the EU, but wanted to do so responsibly by engaging with experts, regulators, and policymakers. Google has been in discussions with privacy regulators to address their questions and receive feedback on Bard.
As privacy concerns continue to be a significant consideration with the deployment of AI technologies, it remains crucial for companies like Google to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and engage in dialogue with regulators to address any potential issues. The postponement of Bard’s launch in the EU highlights the challenges faced by AI developers in navigating the complex landscape of privacy regulations while bringing innovative technologies to market.
