The Italian data protection regulator Garanta will investigate artificial intelligence (AI) platforms after temporarily banning OpenAI’s ChatGPT over privacy concerns, according to reports by Reuters.

Speaking to the news service, Agostino Ghiglia, a member of Garante's board, said: "We plan to kick off a wide-scope review of generative and machine learning AI applications which are available online because we want to understand if these new tools are addressing issues linked to data protection and privacy laws compliance - and we will start new probes, if needed.”

He added that the regulator was looking to employ AI experts to help with data protection as the technology changes rapidly.

"Members of the Garante board often become aware of potential breaches of privacy laws because we simply explore digital tools and applications once they are available," Ghiglia said.

In April, the Garante banned ChatGPT over concerns about how the company collected data from its users.

OpenAI was given a list of measures it had to implement, including blocking access for children under the age of 13.

Access to the service was restored in May after OpenAI demonstrated it had taken steps to meet these demands.

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