OpenAI, a Caliornian AI research firm owned by tycoon Elon Musk, is being investigated by Canadian authorities for data collection and usage concerns. Along with their counterparts in Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta, the federal privacy commissioners in Canada have started an investigation to find out whether OpenAI has obtained consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of residents. Moreover, Britain’s antitrust enforcer has also opened an inquiry into large-language and generative AI models, following competition and consumer risk concerns regarding the AI space.
Such heavy scrutiny may be a preview to what’s to come in other parts of the world, with global policymakers introducing sweeping AI regulations and restrictions. Just weeks ago, OpenAI’s CEO Altman testified before a US Senate panel regarding the future of AI regulations. Microsoft’s CEO Brad Smith recently delivered a similar talk to a group of US legislators, suggesting the emergence of AI regulation in the US and other regions.
As the regulation of AI and machine learning products tightens, OpenAI is now faced with a conflict in the international sphere due to Altman’s refusal to conform to the EU’s proposed AI Act. Altman warned that the firm would have to cease operations if they are unable to comply with the European regulations, which has caused pushback from the bloc’s officials who called him out for attempting to “blackmail” the EU. Google, another tech giant, followed suit and declined to offer similar products in the region, while Twitter is reportedly planning to withdraw from the E.U. Code of Practice on Disinformation.
Meta, owned by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has also been making some moves in the regulation space, as their human resources chief Lori Goler revealed that Meta has cut over 5,100 jobs from their workforce. Zuckerberg clarified in a companywide meeting that the firm’s goals include becoming more efficient while reverting back to a “scrappier” place. He also stated that he hopes to see this transition take place in the next three years.
At the end of the day, AI regulation is increasingly becoming a reality, and companies are starting to recognize the importance of abiding by in order to maintain trust and respect from global regulatory bodies. OpenAI is only one example of many tech giants who have also shifted course in the face of stringent regulation and countless other companies and institutions are bound to follow suit. Let’s hope that all of this regulation will be beneficial to the safety, security, and well-being of citizens around the world.
