Observed Signal · May 25, 2023 · Policy Update · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
OpenAI Threatens to Exit EU Over AI Act Overregulation
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company could leave the European Union if the bloc's AI Act becomes overly restrictive. Speaking in London, Altman called the current draft overregulation while noting reports it might be withdrawn. Under the draft, ChatGPT's foundation models would be classified as high-risk, requiring certification by a new EU AI authority and disclosure of training data. The remarks follow Italy's temporary ban of ChatGPT over data protection and youth safety concerns, lifted after OpenAI made adjustments. Austrian State Secretary Florian Tursky welcomed the debate and urged Europe to adopt smart regulation quickly without being pressured by US corporations. The European Parliament is set to vote on the AI Act in mid-June. Work on the regulation started in 2021 and was significantly revised after ChatGPT's launch in November 2022.
A leading AI vendor publicly threatening to exit the EU over the AI Act signals major regulatory friction, with implications for AI-based advertising and marketing tools across Europe.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI might exit the EU if the AI Act imposes overregulation.
- The draft AI Act would classify OpenAI's foundation models as high-risk, requiring certification and disclosure of training data.
- ChatGPT was temporarily blocked in Italy over data protection and youth safety concerns.
- Austrian State Secretary Florian Tursky called for rapid, smart AI regulation in Europe.
- The European Parliament vote on the AI Act was scheduled for mid-June 2023.
- Microsoft has financed OpenAI with billions of dollars.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company might exit the EU if the AI Act imposes high-risk obligations on ChatGPT and its foundation models....”
“OpenAI, financed by Microsoft with billions of dollars, made adjustments that led to ChatGPT being reactivated in Italy....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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