Federal privacy watchdog probing OpenAI, ChatGPT after complaint about popular bot

OTTAWA — The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has launched an investigation into the company behind ChatGPT, an explosively popular artificial intelligence-powered chatbot.

The office says it is initiating the investigation into U.S.-based company OpenAI because it received a complaint alleging “the collection, use and disclosure of personal information without consent.”

Privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne says in a statement today that artificial intelligence and its effects on privacy are a top priority, and his office must stay ahead of “fast-moving technological advances.”

Dufresne’s office says it won’t release further details at this time, but its mandate is to publicly report on the results of investigations after they conclude.