US FTC Opens Investigation into OpenAI
(July 13, 2023) - The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened an investigation into OpenAI, the non-profit research company that develops and promotes artificial general intelligence (AGI).
The FTC's investigation is reportedly focused on whether OpenAI has violated consumer protection laws by putting personal reputations and data at risk. The agency is specifically looking into how OpenAI handles the data it collects from users of its products, such as ChatGPT, and whether it has taken adequate steps to prevent the generation of false or misleading statements about real individuals.
OpenAI has not yet commented on the FTC's investigation. However, the company has previously said that it takes the privacy and security of its users' data very seriously.
The FTC's investigation into OpenAI is the latest sign of the growing regulatory scrutiny of artificial intelligence. In recent years, there have been concerns that AI could be used to discriminate against individuals or to spread misinformation. The FTC's investigation is likely to shed light on how the agency plans to address these concerns.
What to Expect from the FTC's Investigation
It is still too early to say what the outcome of the FTC's investigation will be. However, it is possible that the agency could issue a cease-and-desist order to OpenAI, or even take the company to court.
The FTC's investigation is also likely to have a broader impact on the AI industry. It could lead to other companies being investigated, and it could also prompt the industry to develop new standards for the responsible use of AI.