OpenAI’s ChatGPT, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, has regained permission to operate in Italy after addressing privacy concerns issued by the national data protection authority, Garante.

On March 31, Italy’s regulatory watchdog had imposed a temporary prohibition on ChatGPT over suspicions of non-compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, just 29 days after the ban, on April 29, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the restoration of ChatGPT’s services in Italy, choosing not to disclose the specifics of the measures undertaken to satisfy the regulator’s demands for transparency.

The reinstatement of ChatGPT hinged on its ability to make transparent its data processing procedures and the integration of age-gating measures, among other legal prerequisites. The Italian regulatory body stated that the brief interruption in service was a direct consequence of a recent data breach experienced by ChatGPT on March 20.

While the initial prohibition sparked concerns about potential broad regulations on AI, ChatGPT’s quick compliance with local regulations has been largely perceived as a favorable action, earning global approval from its users.

Meanwhile, European Union lawmakers are drafting legislation to monitor the rapid progression of AI. As reported by Cointelegraph, this legislation intends to categorize AI tools according to their capabilities, assigning risk levels ranging from minimal to unacceptable. It proposes that while high-risk tools won’t be outrightly banned, they will be subjected to rigorous transparency standards.

If this bill is enacted, generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney will be mandated to disclose any usage of copyrighted materials in AI training.