Italy's ChatGPT Ban Sparks Surge in VPN Downloads

After Italy's temporary ban of ChatGPT and investigation into OpenAI, search volume for VPNs reportedly spiked in the country, likely in an attempt to circumvent the AI ban. VPNs are a safe way to access parts of the internet that have been geoblocked. The Italian Data Protection Authority banned ChatGPT due to concerns over how OpenAI and the chatbot collect and store user data, as well as its tendency to spew incorrect facts and lack of age verification. The ban is temporary and will be lifted when regulators determine whether or not ChatGPT has complied with EU privacy laws.