News Summary

A three-year investigation by the federal privacy commissioner and his counterparts in British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta has revealed that OpenAI’s ChatGPT unlawfully collected vast amounts of Canadians’ data without proper consent. The investigation identified several privacy issues, including the overcollection of personal information, lack of valid consent, and limited transparency about how data is used. Although OpenAI has implemented measures to improve data protection, the privacy commissioner emphasized the need to modernize Canada’s privacy laws to better address AI technologies. The matter was resolved under Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, but OpenAI continues to face scrutiny, particularly in light of its handling of data related to a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has apologized and pledged to enhance safety measures.