US House limits staff from using ChatGPT to safeguard privacy.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology and systems continue to permeate our daily lives, lawmakers are taking action. The US House of Representatives has recently implemented new rules banning all AI large language models (LLMs) for security reasons, with the exception of OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus service.

Catherine Szpindor, the US House’s chief administrative officer, announced that the use of chatbots has been restricted for security purposes. The memo reads:

“House offices using the ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot are only authorized to use the ChatGPT Plus version of the product. The Plus version of the product incorporates important privacy features that are necessary to protect House data. No other versions of ChatGPT or other large language models AI software are authorized for use in the House currently.”

In addition, the document includes a provision that limits House members’ use of the software to “research and evaluation only,” and prohibits them from using ChatGPT in their “regular workflow.”

Other restrictions include not being allowed to share personal or sensitive information as prompts, and requiring the use of ChatGPT Plus with all privacy settings enabled. However, it is not clear what specific privacy features are referred to in the document, as OpenAI has not provided a list of privacy benefits unique to the Plus service.

OpenAI has stated that the ChatGPT Plus service only provides general access to the model during peak times, faster query responses, and priority access to certain features. It does not mention additional privacy features.

Lawmakers Move to Regulate the AI Industry

A few days ago, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Congress to quickly pass new laws to regulate the artificial intelligence industry. He outlined a framework that focuses on areas like national security risks and potential job loss caused by AI.

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley have already proposed a measure to hold AI companies legally responsible by exempting them from Section 230. Other proposed measures involve reviewing AI policies within federal agencies and establishing a new commission to study and create industry rules.

Congress is also engaging with key industry figures, such as Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, which created ChatGPT.