OpenAI Considers Withdrawing from Europe Amid Regulatory Pressure

Updated: 26 May 2023

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has hinted that OpenAI could exit Europe. In an announcement, Sam complained about the potential challenges of complying with upcoming European Union AI regulations.

OpenAI May Withdraw from Europe Because of Regulatory Pressure

If the company cannot meet the requirements imposed by these regulations, OpenAI might consider withdrawing its services from Europe. Altman’s statement underscored the importance of regulatory compliance and OpenAI’s commitment to upholding ethical standards while acknowledging the difficulties of navigating evolving regulatory landscapes.

OpenAI’s decision ultimately depends on the specific regulations and their impact on the company’s ability to operate within Europe, especially after an investigation that took place in early May.

“There’s so much they could do, such as changing the definition of general-purpose AI systems. Numerous possibilities could be pursued.”

Altman

OpenAI vs EU AI Act Disclosure

According to their report, general-purpose AI refers to AI systems with a broad range of potential uses, both intended and unintended by the developers. This definition shows that the EU AI Act recognizes the versatility of AI and aims to regulate its various applications.

FLI President @tegmark recently spoke to @snv_berlin‘s @pegahbyte about our open letter calling for a pause on giant AI experiments and how Europe should deal with potentially powerful and risky AI models.

Watch the full discussion here: https://t.co/NH2XSQRRyB

— Future of Life Institute (@FLIxrisk) May 23, 2023

In December, EU member states approved a version of the Artificial Intelligence Regulation Act. It is worth noting that the information provided does not specify the exact content or provisions included in this supported version. Consequently, it is easier to discuss the specific implications of the act in further detail.

Comply or Cease Operations: Policymakers Call for Global Summit on AI Governance

Recently, a group of policymakers in the European Parliament urged U.S. President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to convene a global summit. The goal of this summit would be to establish a set of governing principles for the development, control, and deployment of artificial intelligence.

The call for a global discussion suggests a desire for international collaboration and coordination in AI governance to address potential challenges and risks associated with its development and deployment.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT’s rapid rise since its November launch has shocked world leaders, leading several countries to open investigations or issue bans. Italy banned ChatGPT, citing privacy concerns. In response, OpenAI implemented updates, including a feature that allows users to delete their history.

Italy banned ChatGPT b/c it is unclear what OpenAI does with all the data it collects – that you enter! No one knows.

The EU regulator believes you have the right to know what happens to your data & the right to later remove it, if you want to. You cannot, with ChatGPT. https://t.co/iYdgluURdl

— Gergely Orosz (@GergelyOrosz) April 6, 2023

During a panel discussion at University College London, Altman stated OpenAI would attempt to comply with the regulations before deciding on closing operations in Europe. Altman said, “We will either solve the requirements or cease operating if we can’t comply.”

OpenAI’s leaders, including Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, and Sam Altman, have called for regulating artificial intelligence systems, particularly “superintelligence.” They propose the establishment of an international regulator to oversee and mitigate the potential existential risks associated with AI.

The regulator would be responsible for inspecting systems, conducting audits, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and imposing restrictions on deployment and security levels. Drawing a parallel to nuclear energy, they advocate for a regulatory authority similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors nuclear technologies worldwide.