ChatGPT: Another step towards the digital era or a threat to fundamental rights and freedoms?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) constitutes one of the most fundamental pillars for the implementation of the EU Digital Agenda. It corresponds to the tremendous ongoing technological evolution which is marked by the spread of the digitalization in both private and public sector. AI tools provide numerous services, such as faster decision-making, performance of multiple tasks and repetitive jobs on our behalf and diagnosis of risky situations. This paper puts a special emphasis on the ChatGPT which is considered the most illustrative representative of the current AI technology. Within a minimal time of its existence this innovative viral chatbot has started to dominate the world of AI. However, its use raises serious legal and ethical risks for our privacy and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, born by the lack of a binding regulatory framework governing AI. Therefore, at first level, this study focuses on the legal regime which governs the use of ChatGPT, by interpreting the legal status, after giving a short demonstration of its function and services (Section I). Secondly, a critical approach will be pursued focusing on special issues regarding this new AI tool on the basis of its application in practice at the area of journalism (Section II). Following that intense analysis, the paper aims to lead to fruitful and original conclusions with the ultimate goal to enhance the establishment of a powerful, safe and trustful digital environment.