Italy’s data protection authority Garante has fined OpenAI 15 million euros (around US$15.6 million) after an investigation into its handling of personal data.

The inquiry revealed that OpenAI processed user data without a legal basis and lacked transparency.

Garante also found that OpenAI did not have adequate age-verification systems to prevent under-13 users from accessing inappropriate AI content.

OpenAI plans to appeal the fine, arguing that it exceeds its revenue in Italy.