The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has initiated an inquiry into Google’s compliance with European Union privacy laws regarding its artificial intelligence model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2). This investigation focuses on whether Google conducted a mandatory data protection impact assessment before processing personal data of EU residents.
The DPC emphasized the importance of such assessments in safeguarding individual rights when personal data processing poses significant risks. This scrutiny is part of a broader global trend where regulators are increasingly examining Big Tech's handling of personal data in AI development.
As the lead regulator for Google in the EU, the DPC's inquiry aligns with efforts across the bloc to ensure AI systems adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Google stated it will cooperate fully with the investigation.
In related developments, Elon Musk's X Corp. has agreed to stop using European user data for its AI chatbot Grok following DPC intervention. Similarly, Meta Platforms paused its plans to train its AI models using content from European users after discussions with the DPC.
This investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between data privacy regulations and the rapid advancement of AI technologies, crucial for maintaining user trust in digital platforms.