ChatGPT, the K12 disruptor, is currently under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its data collection practices and the publication of false information about individuals. This investigation poses a significant regulatory threat to the use of the chatbot and OpenAI’s operations in the United States. The Washington Post has dubbed it as the most potent regulatory challenge faced by ChatGPT and its parent company.
The concerns surrounding ChatGPT have centered around its potential to facilitate cheating in K12 education. However, this federal investigation shifts the focus to whether the AI tool has caused harm to its own customers. The probe was initiated just this week and marks a critical point for OpenAI and the future of ChatGPT.
Educators have been increasingly alarmed by the rise of ChatGPT, prompting them to take more aggressive measures to detect whether students are utilizing the AI to complete their assignments and essays. The popularity of the AI tool is undeniable, with a poll conducted at the end of the school year revealing that nearly 60% of students aged 12-18 have used ChatGPT. Additionally, about two-thirds of parents expressed their desire for their school districts to invest in AI to enhance learning.
Surveys have also shown that a considerable number of teachers, approximately four in 10, use ChatGPT at least once a week. Moreover, nine out of 10 K12 and college students surveyed expressed a preference for using ChatGPT over a tutor when seeking academic assistance.
Due to these concerns, many school districts have started banning ChatGPT and other AI platforms. However, some educational systems have responded with less certainty. For instance, New York City schools allowed educators to use ChatGPT this spring, despite initially banning the software.
The FTC’s letter to OpenAI, obtained by The Washington Post, requests detailed information about the company’s risk prevention strategies and any complaints received regarding the AI tool generating false, misleading, disparaging, or harmful statements about individuals.
As this investigation unfolds, an increasing number of edtech companies are embracing AI technology. Chegg, an educational support service provider, recently introduced CheggMate, a study aide powered by GPT-4, the most recent version of OpenAI’s software.
The outcome of the FTC investigation will significantly impact the future of ChatGPT and OpenAI’s operations in the United States. As educators and parents grapple with the potential benefits and risks of AI in education, it remains to be seen how the regulatory landscape will evolve and shape the use of chatbots like ChatGPT in K12 settings.
