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Google is expanding the reach of its artificial intelligence-based chatbot across Europe following upgrades to meet regulatory demands regarding copyright and user privacy.
The release of Google’s Bard chatbot in the EU was initially planned for June but faced delays due to demands from Irish regulators, where the company’s European headquarters are located. These demands were centered around the need to reinforce safeguards protecting European consumers.
In response to the Irish watchdog’s requirements, Google has made the necessary changes to its Bard chatbot, including enhancing privacy settings to increase transparency and granting users more control over their data.
The Irish Data Protection Commission stated that Google fulfilled the necessary controls for users, paving the way for the chatbot’s launch on Thursday.
With clearance to expand in Europe, Google can now proceed with its competition against rivals like Microsoft-backed Open AI in developing generative AI products that involve the creation of text, images, and code. Bard has already been launched in approximately 180 countries.
Unlike Google, as OpenAI does not have an EU-based headquarters, individual countries have the authority to determine if the company adheres to data protection regulations. In March, Italy temporarily suspended OpenAI’s ChatGPT due to privacy concerns but later resumed the service after addressing the issues.
Moreover, Google has expanded Bard’s features, making it available in over 40 languages. Additionally, users can now listen to the chatbot’s responses, pin and rename conversations, and use images in prompts (for the English language service only).
Brussels has introduced stringent regulations governing AI technology through its proposed AI Act, leading to criticism from companies and executives in the region.
“Companies seeking to establish AI ventures in Europe must comply with our new AI rules,” emphasized Dragoș Tudorache, an MEP involved in developing the legislation. “Our rules are designed to be proportionate and facilitate compliance to fuel innovation and market access. They prioritize transparency and social responsibility.”
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